What is a physical change and how can we identify them?

In this lesson, we find out what happens during a physical change, look at examples of physical changes and complete our own investigation into the physical change that occurs when chocolate melts.

What is a physical change and how can we identify them?

In this lesson, we find out what happens during a physical change, look at examples of physical changes and complete our own investigation into the physical change that occurs when chocolate melts.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Know what a physical change is
  2. Describe signs that a physical change has taken place
  3. Give examples of physical changes

Licence

This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

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5 Questions

Q1.
Particles in a solid
Are not touching and moving fast in all directions.
Are touching and not moving.
Correct answer: Are touching and vibrating on the spot.
Are touching but can move past each other.
Q2.
Liquids can be compressed because there are spaces between the particles.
Correct answer: False
True
Q3.
Gases can flow because the particles are able to move in all directions.
False
Correct answer: True
Q4.
What happens to particles when they are heated?
Correct answer: They gain energy.
They have no energy.
They have the same amount of energy.
They lose energy.
Q5.
Which of the following is condensation?
Correct answer: A gas becoming a liquid.
A liquid becoming a gas.
A liquid becoming a solid.
A solid becoming a liquid.

5 Questions

Q1.
Liquids can flow because ...
The particles are not arranged in a regular pattern.
The particles can move freely in all directions.
Correct answer: The particles can slide past each other.
The particles have lots of energy.
Q2.
When water becomes ice the process is called ...
Boiling
Condensing
Correct answer: Freezing
Melting
Q3.
Burning paper is an example of a physical change.
Correct answer: False
True
Q4.
Sugar dissolving in water is an example of a physical change.
False
Correct answer: True
Q5.
A ceramic bowl smashing is not an example of a physical change.
Correct answer: False
True

Lesson appears in

UnitScience / Physical and chemical changes

Science