Difference between chemical and physical changes.

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Differentiating Property

Physical Change

Chemical Change

1

Explanation

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.

2

Example

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.

3

Reversibility

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

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

4

Formation of new substance

In physical change, no new substance is formed.

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

5

Type of Change

Physical change is a temporary change.

Chemical change is a permanent change.