Changes in Matter worksheet - Free Printable

Let's go through each example and determine whether it is a Physical Change or a Chemical Change, along with explanations.

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🔹 1. An ice cube melts

- ✔ Physical Change
- Explanation: Melting is a change in state (solid to liquid), but the substance remains water (H₂O). No new substances are formed.

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🔹 2. Rust forms on a car

- ✔ Chemical Change
- Explanation: Rusting is a chemical reaction between iron, oxygen, and water to form iron oxide (rust). A new substance is created, so this is a chemical change.

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🔹 3. A glass bottle breaks

- ✔ Physical Change
- Explanation: The shape of the glass changes, but the material (glass) remains the same. No new substances are formed.

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🔹 4. A sheet of paper is cut in half

- ✔ Physical Change
- Explanation: Cutting paper only changes its size and shape. The composition of the paper stays the same.

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🔹 5. An apple is cut

- ✔ Physical Change
- Explanation: Slicing an apple changes its form, but the apple’s chemical makeup doesn’t change immediately. This is a physical change (though browning may happen later due to oxidation).

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🔹 6. A log burns at a campfire

- ✔ Chemical Change
- Explanation: Burning (combustion) involves the wood reacting with oxygen to produce ash, smoke, and gases like CO₂. New substances are formed — this is a chemical change.

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🔹 7. Make yogurt

- ✔ Chemical Change
- Explanation: Yogurt is made by bacteria fermenting lactose (sugar) in milk into lactic acid, which causes the milk to thicken and change flavor. This is a chemical change because new substances are formed.

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🔹 8. Rotten apple

- ✔ Chemical Change
- Explanation: Rotting is caused by microbial activity and chemical decomposition. The apple breaks down into different substances (like methane, carbon dioxide, etc.), indicating a chemical change.

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✔ Final Answers:

| Example | Type of Change |
|--------|----------------|
| An ice cube melts | Physical Change |
| Rust forms on a car | Chemical Change |
| A glass bottle breaks | Physical Change |
| A sheet of paper is cut in half | Physical Change |
| An apple is cut | Physical Change |
| A log burns at a campfire | Chemical Change |
| Make yogurt | Chemical Change |
| Rotten apple | Chemical Change |

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💡 Quick Tip:
- Physical Change: Changes in form, size, or state — no new substance.
- Chemical Change: New substances are formed, often with color change, gas production, or odor.

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