Changes in matter

Changes in which the composition of matter does not change, even though its
nature of existence changes, are called physical changes.

Changes in which the composition of matter forming new substances are

known as chemical changes.

Changes in state

Examples

Condensation - Water vapor to liquid water

Vaporization - Water to steam

Freezing - Water to ice

Melting - Metal to molten liquid

Sublimation - Dry Ice to CO2

(Deposition gas to solid iodine vapour to iodine crystals)

Chemical changes

On heating lead nitrate, it undergoes decomposition reaction to form lead oxide, nitrogen
dioxide and oxygen.

(Lead nitrate) (Lead oxide) + (Nitrogen dioxide) + (Oxygen)

The brown coloured fumes are of nitrogen dioxide.

An iron nail in a copper sulphate solution

Copper sulphate solution + sodium hydroxide solution

copper sulfate + sodium hydroxide copper hydroxide + sodium sulfate

(blue solution + colourless solution blue precipitate + colourless solution)

Zinc into HCl

Zinc + Hydrochloric acid Zinc chloride + Hydrogen (gas)

 Burning magnesium

Mg + O2 Magnesium oxide (MgO)

In a chemical reaction, substances (elements and/or compounds) called reactants are changed
into other substances (compounds and/or elements) called products.

Examples of chemical reactions

1. Combustion
2. Rusting of iron
3. Digestion
4. Formation of salts
5. Digestion/Decomposition

Law of conservation of mass

When using a closed system, the total mass of all products and reactants remain the same
throughout the entire chemical reaction.

the total mass does not change

Combustion

Combustion is when a reactant (fuel) reacts with oxygen and undergoes a chemical process that
releases thermal energy (heat) and light energy.

o Complete combustion

fuel + oxygen carbon dioxide + water vapour

o Incomplete combustion occurs when the supply of air is limited.

fuel + oxygen carbon monoxide + carbon (soot) + water vapour

Ignition point is the temperature at which a combustible substance (fuel) begins to combust.

Factors required for combustion

1. Combustible substance (fuel)

2. Oxygen
3. Heat to reach the ignition point

Rusting
When iron is exposed to water or air over a period of time, the iron reacts with
oxygen in the presence of moisture to form a reddish-brown chemical compound,
iron oxide.

iron + water + oxygen rust/corrosion of iron

Salt dissolved in water does not cause rusting, but it does speed it up, as does acid rain.

Preventing rusting means preventing water and oxygen contact on the surface. This can be done
by painting, applying oil and galvanizing. (galvanizing means coating iron with a layer of zinc)

oiling - for example bicycle chains

greasing - for example nut and bolts

painting - for example car body panels

using stainless steel components

plating with a layer of tin or zinc

Neutralization in Our Daily Lives

A neutralization reaction occurs when an acid and a base mix to create water and a salt.

1. Neutralizing stomach acids with antacids

2. Treating bee stings and ant bites with lime (calcium carbonate) or baking soda

3. Treating wasp stings with vinegar

4. Brushing teeth with toothpaste neutralizes acids in mouth

5. Treating soil