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Physical Change vs Chemical Change — Difference (with Table & FAQs)

Physical and chemical changes are two types of changes matter undergoes, essential for CBSE Class 9 Chemistry. Distinguishing them is crucial for understan

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TL;DR: Physical and chemical changes are two types of changes matter undergoes, essential for CBSE Class 9 Chemistry. Distinguishing them is crucial for unde…

Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated Jul 23, 2026

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The main difference between Physical Change and Chemical Change: Physical and chemical changes are two types of changes matter undergoes, essential for CBSE Class 9 Chemistry. Distinguishing them is crucial for understan

Physical Change vs Chemical Change — Comparison Table

BasisPhysical ChangeChemical Change
DefinitionChange in form without new substanceFormation of new substance with new properties
ReversibilityUsually reversibleMostly irreversible
Chemical bondsBonds not brokenBonds broken and formed
Energy changeMinimal energy changeSignificant energy absorbed or released
ExamplesMelting, freezing, cutting, dissolvingBurning, rusting, cooking, digestion

Key Points

  • Physical change alters appearance but not substance; chemical change creates new substances
  • Physical changes are reversible by physical means; chemical changes require chemical reactions
  • Burning, rusting, cooking are chemical; melting, cutting, dissolving are physical
  • Chemical changes have color change, gas formation, heat/light release, precipitate formation

More Chemistry Comparisons

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  • Difference Between Element and Compound
  • Difference Between Metals and Non-metals
  • Difference Between Solid and Liquid
  • Difference Between Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixture

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