To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”
Save to my list
Remove from my list
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.
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.
The following activities were conducted to investigate physical and chemical changes:
| 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. |
| Change | Physical or Chemical | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Fireworks ignite | Chemical | Fireworks undergo a chemical change when ignited.
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
They contain metals like magnesium and copper that change chemically as they produce colorful displays. |
| Change | Physical or Chemical | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling water | Physical | Boiling water is a physical change as it only changes the state of water from liquid to gas without altering its chemical composition. |
| Change | Physical or Chemical | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Making soap bubbles | Chemical | Soap bubbles formation involves a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide, leading to the expansion of the bubbles. |
| Change | Physical or Chemical | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Toasting Marshmallows | Chemical | Toasting marshmallows leads to charring and the release of gases, resulting in a change in composition, which is a chemical change. |
| Change | Physical or Chemical | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Antacid tablet fizzes in stomach acid | Chemical | The antacid tablet undergoes a chemical change when it reacts with stomach acid, leading to the release of gas bubbles, indicating a change in chemical composition. |
Based on our observations and explanations, we can summarize the activities and the type of change they represent in the table below:
| Activity | Type of Change |
|---|---|
| Dissolving Salt in Water | Physical |
| Fireworks Ignition | Chemical |
| Boiling Water | Physical |
| Making Soap Bubbles | Chemical |
| Toasting Marshmallows | Chemical |
| Antacid Tablet Reaction | Chemical |
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.
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.
Lab Report: Physical and Chemical Changes. (2024, Jan 24). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/document/lab-report-physical-and-chemical-changes
👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!
Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.
get help with your assignment
