Chemical Phenomena and Physical Phenomena

Chemistry and physics are two branches of science that are responsible for studying matter and the changes it undergoes. One of the ways to classify these changes is through chemical phenomena and physical phenomena. Although at first glance they may seem similar, there are fundamental differences between them.

Physical phenomena

Physical phenomena are those that do not alter the chemical composition Of the mattery. In other words, the substance remains the same before and after the physical change. Examples of physical phenomena are the evaporation of water, the melting of ice, thermal expansion, among others. In these processes, changes occur in the shape, size, state or position of matter, but there is no reorganization of atoms or molecules.

One of the ways to identify a physical phenomenon is that you can return to the initial situation. For example, if we heat an object and its temperature increases, when it cools it will return to its initial temperature. Physical change has no permanent effects on matter.

chemical phenomena

Chemical phenomena are those that involve a transformation of matter into a new substance with different properties. In this case, the atoms or molecules are rearranged to form a different substance. Examples of chemical phenomena are the combustion of a fuel, the fermentation of dough, the corrosion of iron, among others.

A chemical phenomenon involves an irreversible change, since the original substance no longer exists. The formation of the new substance includes changes in energy, color, temperature, odor, and other properties.

Differences between Chemical Phenomena and Physical Phenomena

In summary, the Main differences between chemical phenomena and physical phenomena are:

• Physical phenomena do not alter the chemical composition of matter, while chemical phenomena produce a new substance with different properties.
• Physical phenomena can be returned to the initial situation, while chemical phenomena imply an irreversible change.
• Physical phenomena have no permanent effects, while chemical phenomena include changes in energy, color, temperature, and other properties.

It is important to understand the differences between chemical phenomena and physical phenomena, since they allow us to better understand the world around us and the transformations that occur in it. Both types of changes are necessary and contribute essentially to life on our planet.