A physical change is a change in physical

properties such as: volume, density, temperature,

boiling point, conductivity etc. – without changing
its identity.

No intra-molecular bonds are broken, but there

will probably be a breaking of inter-molecular
bonds that hold the molecules together.

A change of state from solid to liquid to gas is a

physical change.
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Virtually any substance – under the correct
conditions of temperature & pressure, is able to
exist in the solid, liquid or gaseous phase.
For example H2O can exist as ice (solid) water
(liquid) & water vapour (gas). These 3 phases for
H2O can be studied quite easily since water has a
M.P. & a B.P. that are quite close together and it
evaporates quite easily. Solids, liquids & gases
Other substances often need to be changed to very
high or low temperatures & pressures before you
can study the different phases.
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Particles in a solid are close together and merely
exhibit (show) a vibratory type of movement as they
remain in a fixed position in the solid.
In a liquid, the particles are not as orderly as in a solid
and there are spaces between the particles. The liquid
particles also exhibit a vibratory type motion, but are
also able to move to different points in the liquid.
In a gas, the particles are much further apart. They
exhibit a vibratory type of motion and move to any
point within the confines of the container. They exhibit
the most vigorous motion since the forces are weak.
Particle movement 3
 Particles in a Particles in a Particles in a
solid liquid gas

All particles are in continual motion – the greater

the motion – the higher the temperature
Movements of particles 4
Solids exhibit vibrational motion only – particles
vibrate, yet remain in one place.

In liquids & gases there is more freedom of

movement & particles exhibit vibrational,
translational (move from place to place) &
rotational (spinning around) motion – all at the
same time.

Particles are much further apart in gases & particles

move more vigorously, over greater distances.
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Heating solids causes the particles to vibrate faster as
the temperature increases.
With continued heating, the vibration becomes so
vigorous, the particles break free from their lattice &
their fixed positions, and the solid melts.
This melting is called a phase change.
The very fast-moving liquid molecules are able to break
free from the liquid and jump out – to form a gas –
when liquids are heated strongly. This is boiling.
Boiling is the phase change that takes place when
bubbles of gas form in the liquid. 6
 Solid Liquid
When solids are heated
strongly, they melt at a
particular temperature
(called the melting point
[M.P.]) & form a liquid at
the same temperature. Gas
Liquid
The same process occurs
for liquids at their boiling
points [B.P.] as they
change to gases. Physical & chemical
changes
The heat required to cause phase changes (i.e. 7
without a temperature change) is called latent heat.
In a chemical change, new chemicals are formed –
with new properties.

Existing bonds are broken & new bonds are formed.

Large amounts of energy are required to break

bonds that hold reacting molecules together within
the molecules. Chemical changes

More energy is required for Chemical change as

compared with Physical change – where weaker
intermolecular bonds need to be broken.
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This kind of reaction takes place when a compound
breaks down into 2 or more new chemicals.

Most decomposition reactions require much energy to

break down the original compound (the reactant)
into new substances (the products).

This energy is usually supplied in the form of heat –

to break down the bonds in the reactant.

Passing an electric current through acidified water

breaks it down into hydrogen & oxygen.
1 Reactant → 2 Products Electrolysis of water
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2H2O → 2H2 + O2 this is known as electrolysis.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) breaks down to form H2O &
O2 when the black catalyst ( a chemical that speeds up
reactions) MnO2 is added.

2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2
1 reactant 2 products
Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
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Synthesis reactions occur when 2 reactants
combine chemically to form 1 product. Often a lot
of energy is required or liberated.

2 reactants → 1 product
H2 + O2 to form H2O
2H2 + O2 → 2H2O and

2Mg + O2 → 2MgO
Mg + O2 forms MgO
Energy, in the form of heat is required to initiate
both of these reactions.
Both are exothermic reactions – since they liberate
more energy than they initially take in. 11
2 H2O2 reactant molecules form 3 molecules of
products, there are thus 8 atoms on both sides of
equation – conservation of atoms.

2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2
8 atoms → 6 atoms + 2 atoms
Conservation of atoms Conservation of mass 12
Mr(2H2O2) = 2 x [2(1amu) + 2(16amu)] = 2 x 34 = 68 amu

Mr(2H2O) = 2 x [2(1amu) + 16amu] = 2 x 18amu = 36amu

Conservation of mass
Mr(O2) = 2(16amu) = 32 amu

i.e. 68 amu reactant mass → 68 amu products

i.e. Conservation of mass in a chemical reaction – no mass

gained or lost.
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This law states that when atoms of different
elements combine they always combine in fixed
ratios in order to form the same products.
Whenever water is formed,
2 molecules (4 atoms) of
H2 will always react with 1
molecule (2 atoms) of O2
to form 2 molecules (total
6 atoms) of H2O.

These ratios are fixed and constant – irrespective of

where the experiment is done – anywhere in the
world! Constant composition 14