Background
When a physical change occurs, only the form of the substance changes. Chemical changes,
however, result in the formation of new substances with different properties. Some general
signs of a chemical change include a change in color or odor, the formation of a precipitate,
formation of a gas, and changes in heat or light. In this lab, you will perform different
activities and determine whether a physical or chemical change has occurred based upon your
observations.
Success Goals
Procedures
1. According to the data table below, either mix or perform the actions listed under the
“Activity” column.
2. Make a hypothesis (educated guess) about whether you think it will be a chemical or
physical reaction.
3. Under the “Observations” column, record any and all observations for each
experiment.
4. Under the “Physical/Chemical Change” column, determine whether each experiment
resulted in a physical or chemical change.
5. If the experiment resulted in a chemical change, what evidence proves your
statement?
Data
Activity
Light a match
for ten seconds
Burn a candle
for two minutes
Apple cut in
two and left out
Mix baking
powder with
water
Mix baking
powder with
vinegar
Hypothesis:
Will it be
chemical or
physical?
Observations
Physical or
chemical?
What’s your
evidence? How
do you know?
Mix baking
soda with
vinegar
Egg in vinegar
Use tongs to
hold an egg
over flame
“Flame egg” in
water
Post-Lab Reflection
1) How would you explain the difference between physical and chemical changes to a 1st
grader?
2) Describe some ways you can tell that a chemical change has occurred and NOT a
physical change.
3) List some physical changes AND chemical changes you find in nature:
PHYSICAL CHANGES
CHEMICAL CHANGES
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
4.
4.
4) Which do you think is more common in nature chemical or physical changes and
WHY?