Meaning & use
physical change
A change in the form or appearance of matter that does not alter its chemical makeup.
See it in a sentence
Melting ice into water is a physical change because it stays the same substance.
Cutting paper into pieces is a physical change, not a chemical reaction.
A note on using this word
Unlike a chemical change, a physical change is usually reversible and does not create a new substance.
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
chemical change
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