Lab Report: Physical and Chemical Changes

Abstract

In this laboratory experiment, we investigated physical and chemical changes by observing various activities and analyzing their characteristics. We differentiated between physical changes, where the chemical composition remains the same, and chemical changes, which involve the formation of new substances.

The observations and explanations of these changes were recorded, and examples from the experiment were provided.

Introduction

Physical and chemical changes are fundamental concepts in chemistry. Physical changes involve alterations in the appearance or state of matter without changing its chemical composition, while chemical changes result in the formation of new substances. This lab aims to explore these concepts through a series of activities and observations.

Materials and Methods

The following activities were conducted to investigate physical and chemical changes:

1. 1. Activity 1: Dissolving Salt in Water

Change	Physical or Chemical	Explanation
A white solid forms when salt mixes in water	Physical	The dissolution of sodium chloride (NaCl) in water is a physical change since it involves the mixing of a soluble salt with water without a change in chemical composition. Get quality help now writer-Charlotte Verified writer Proficient in: Chemistry 4.7 (348) “ Amazing as always, gave her a week to finish a big assignment and came through way ahead of time. ” +84 relevant experts are online Hire writer

1. 1. Activity 2: Fireworks Ignition

1. 1. Activity 3: Boiling Water

1. 1. Activity 4: Making Soap Bubbles

1. 1. Activity 5: Toasting Marshmallows

1. 1. Activity 6: Antacid Tablet Reaction

Results

Based on our observations and explanations, we can summarize the activities and the type of change they represent in the table below:

Discussion

In this experiment, we observed various activities to distinguish between physical and chemical changes. Physical changes, such as the dissolution of salt in water and boiling water, involve alterations in the physical properties of matter without changing its chemical composition. On the other hand, chemical changes, as demonstrated by activities like fireworks ignition, making soap bubbles, toasting marshmallows, and the antacid tablet reaction, result in the formation of new substances with different properties.

Some key observations that indicate a chemical change include color changes, temperature changes, precipitate formation, gas production, light emission, and odor changes. These indicators helped us differentiate between physical and chemical changes in the activities.

For example, when we ignited fireworks, the colorful display and the release of gases were clear evidence of a chemical change. Similarly, toasting marshmallows resulted in charring and the release of gases, leading to a change in composition, which is a chemical change.

Conclusion

This laboratory experiment allowed us to explore the concepts of physical and chemical changes. We learned to differentiate between these two types of changes based on observations and indicators. Physical changes involve alterations in the physical properties of matter, while chemical changes result in the formation of new substances with different properties. Understanding these distinctions is fundamental in chemistry and helps us analyze various natural and synthetic processes.