Ever wondered what REALLY happens when you boil water or bake a cake? It all boils down (pun intended!) to physical and chemical changes.
A *physical change* alters the form or appearance of a substance, but not its chemical composition. Think melting ice – it's still H2O, just in a different state. Other examples include tearing paper, dissolving sugar in water, or crushing a can.
In contrast, a *chemical change* involves the formation of new substances with different chemical properties. Rusting iron is a classic example – iron atoms react with oxygen to form iron oxide (rust), a completely different compound. Other telltale signs of a chemical change include changes in color, formation of gas bubbles (like when you mix baking soda and vinegar), or the production of heat or light (like burning wood).
Understanding the difference between these changes helps us unravel the mysteries of the world around us, from cooking in the kitchen to understanding complex industrial processes!
