Matter Physical Changes: Explanation and Example

Introduction: 

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. Matter cannot always be seen. Whatever is in our surroundings is made up of ‘matter.’ All matters are made up of tiny particles, such as atoms, molecules, or ions.  

Changes constantly occur in our surroundings. These changes are either chemical or physical changes. Physical change makes the matter look different. 

In this chapter, we will be learning about physical change. 

Explanation: 

Physical change: 

Matter can change its state. These changes are of two different types — physical change and chemical change. 

In a physical change, the physical appearance of matter, such as shape, color, size, undergo alteration, and no new substance is formed. 

Activities-1 

Tearing the paper in half is one of the examples of physical change. The size of the ripped or burnt paper is different from that of the original sheet, but it is still paper.  

Stretching a rubber band is also a physical change. The size and shape of the rubber band change, but it is still a rubber band. 

When the liquid state of water freezes, its state changes from liquid to solid. The water looks different, but it is still water. The liquid state of water and solid state of water are made up of the same elements that are hydrogen and oxygen atoms. 

All the processes that bring about a physical change in the matter are evaporation, melting, boiling and, etc. 

Some of the examples of physical change: 

1. Blowing of balloon: 

When you blow into a balloon, the size of the balloon increases and it attains a certain shape. The shape of the balloon changes, but the color remains the same. This shows that it is a physical change. 

2. When you heat a chocolate, it melts and converts into a liquid state. When it is cooled, it gets converted to a solid state. The shape and size of the chocolate are changed, and the color remains unchanged. This defines that it is a physical change.