Difference between physical and chemical change

Physical Change

Chemical Change

In a physical change, the molecules are rearranged while their actual composition remains same.

In a chemical change, the molecular composition of a substance completely changes and a new substance is formed.

Some example of physical change are freezing of water, melting of wax, boiling of water, etc.

A few examples of chemical change are digestion of food, burning of coal, rusting, etc.

Physical change is easily reversible i.e original substance can be recovered.

Chemical change is irreversible i.e. original substance cannot be recovered.

In physical change, no new substance is formed.

A chemical change is always accompanied by one or more new substance(s).

Physical change is a temporary change.

Chemical change is a permanent change.

In a physical change, no energy is produced.

In a chemical change, energy is produced (heat, light, sound, etc.)

Physical change involves very little to no absorption of energy.

During chemical reaction, absorption and evolution of energy takes place.

Physical change affects only physical properties i.e. shape, size, etc.

Chemical change both physical and chemical properties of the substance including its composition.