Meaning & use
fermenting a chemical change
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrasetechnical
The process in which tiny living things break down sugar without air, producing new substances such as alcohol or acid.
Grammar: Used as a topic phrase or a shortened question; in full sentences it becomes 'Fermenting is a chemical change' or 'Is fermenting a chemical change?'
Patterns
- fermenting is a chemical change
- is fermenting a chemical change?
- fermenting sugar into alcohol
In science class we learned that fermenting is a chemical change because new substances form.
The teacher asked, 'Is fermenting a chemical change or a physical one?' and we had to explain our answer.
Fermenting a chemical change takes place in the dough, which is why bread rises.
phrasefixed phrasetechnical
The idea that fermentation counts as a chemical change because the starting substances turn into different substances.
Grammar: Often used after verbs like 'call' or 'describe as': scientists describe fermenting as a chemical change.
Patterns
- describe fermenting as a chemical change
- call fermenting a chemical change
- classify fermenting as a chemical change
Chemists describe fermenting as a chemical change because the sugars are not simply mixed or dissolved.
You can call fermenting a chemical change since the molecules are rearranged into new ones.
Common combinations
- a chemical change
- Rusting is a chemical change because a new substance is formed.
- a physical change
- Melting ice is only a physical change; the water is still water.
- fermenting sugar
- Yeast feeds on the sugar, fermenting it into alcohol and gas.
- fermentation takes place
- Fermentation takes place in the sealed tank over several days.
- break down sugar
- The bacteria break down sugar and release acid.
Synonyms and how they differ
- fermentation
- The noun form; use it when you need a subject or object, as in 'Fermentation is a chemical change.'
- chemical reaction
- A broader term for any process that makes new substances; fermentation is one type of chemical reaction.
Opposites
Word family
- ferment verb
- To go through fermentation, or to make something do this.
- fermentation noun
- The process itself, often used in science and food writing.
- fermented adjective
- Describes food or drink that has gone through fermentation, like fermented cabbage.
- fermenter noun
- A container or device in which fermentation happens.
Commonly confused: fermenting a chemical change or physical change?
fermenting a chemical change vs physical change
A physical change alters form or state but not the substances themselves, such as melting or cutting; a chemical change creates new substances.
Practice
Which sentence correctly explains the science idea?
Choose one answer.
'Fermenting is a chemical change because new substances form' uses a correct subject-verb pair and gives the right reason. Option An is missing the verb 'is', and option C has the wrong verb form and a false reason.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “fermenting a chemical change”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.