Physical Properties and Changes

• A physical property of matter can be observed or measured without changing the matter’s identity.

• Most physical changes are reversible because they do not alter the identity of the matter being changed. Physical changes only affect the matter’s form.

Your Task: Explain why each of the above would be a physical property leading to a physical change and not a chemical property leading a chemical change.

Physical Changes Examples

Aluminum foil is cut in half.

Clay is molded into a new shape.

Butter melts on warm toast.

Water evaporates from the surface of the ocean.

A juice box in the freezer freezes.

Rubbing alcohol evaporates on your hand.