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Science | Physical and Chemical Changes

Dynamics of physical changes that include temporary changes of state of matter, shape and size have been discussed in contrast to chemical changes that involve permanent changes with chemical reactions forming new matter

Introduction to CBSE Class 7 Science Chapter "Physical and Chemical Changes"

In the “Physical and Chemical Changes” chapter, CBSE Class 7 students learn to distinguish between changes that alter the physical properties of a substance and those that result in the formation of a new substance with different chemical properties. The chapter begins by defining physical changes as changes in state, shape, or size that do not produce a new substance, such as melting ice or tearing paper.

The conversation then shifts to chemical changes, which involve a chemical reaction resulting in the creation of one or more new substances. Students explore examples like the rusting of iron, the digestion of food, and the burning of substances to understand that chemical changes usually are permanent and often irreversible without another chemical reaction.

To deepen their understanding, the chapter discusses the signs of a chemical change, including color change, temperature change, light emission, and gas production. Additionally, it explores the concept of reversible and irreversible changes, adding depth to the students’ understanding of physical and chemical processes.

Assignments for CBSE Class 7 Science Chapter “Physical and Chemical Changes”

  1. Experiment Diary: Conduct simple experiments to observe physical and chemical changes and keep a diary of observations.
  2. Case Study: Investigate a real-life scenario, such as the rusting of a local bridge, and analyze it as a chemical change.
  3. Change Identification: List everyday activities and identify them as physical or chemical changes.
  4. Reversible or Not: Create a table of changes and categorize them as reversible or irreversible, providing reasons for your choices.
  5. Reaction Skit: With a group, create a skit that dramatizes a chemical reaction, highlighting the signs that a chemical change has occurred.

Conclusion “Physical and Chemical Changes” is a key chapter in the CBSE Class 7 Science curriculum that helps students comprehend the dynamic nature of the materials around them. Recognizing the type of changes substances undergo is not just academically stimulating but also essential for understanding the practical implications in the real world, such as material recycling and environmental impact.

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Questions and Answers for CBSE Class 7 Science Chapter "Physical and Chemical Changes"

  1. Q1: What defines a physical change? ANS: A physical change is a change in the physical properties of a substance, like shape, state, or size, without forming a new substance.
  2. Q2: Whatis a chemical change? ANS: A chemical change is a transformation that produces one or more new substances with different chemical properties from the original substance(s).
  1. Q3: Can you list some signs of a chemical change? ANS: Signs of a chemical change can include a change in color, temperature change, formation of a precipitate, emission of light or sound, and the production of gas.
  2. Q4: Why is burning considered a chemical change? ANS: Burning is considered a chemical change because it involves a chemical reaction that results in new substances, such as carbon dioxide and water, and is usually irreversible.
  3. Q5: What is an irreversible change? ANS: An irreversible change is a change that cannot be undone. For example, once a piece of paper is burned, it cannot be returned to its original state.
  4. Q6: Are all physical changes reversible? ANS: Many physical changes are reversible, like the melting of ice into water, but not all. For example, breaking a glass object is a physical change that cannot be reversed.
  5. Q7: How do physical changes differ from chemical changes in terms of energy? ANS: Physical changes usually involve a change in energy as substances change state, but no bonds between atoms are broken or formed. In chemical changes, energy is absorbed or released as chemical bonds are broken and new bonds are formed.
  6. Q8: Can a change be both physical and chemical? ANS: Yes, some processes involve both physical and chemical changes. For example, when a candle burns, the wax undergoes a physical change as it melts and a chemical change as it reacts with oxygen.
  7. Q9: What role do physical changes play in the water cycle? ANS: In the water cycle, physical changes are fundamental; water undergoes evaporation, condensation, and freezing, all of which are physical changes as water changes states but remains H₂O.
  8. Q10: How can understanding chemical changes help in environmental protection? ANS: Understanding chemical changes can help in environmental protection by allowing us to predict and mitigate the harmful effects of chemical reactions, such as the rusting of metal structures or the breakdown of pollutants.

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