Physical or Chemical
Molecules and Formulas
Reaction Detectives
Is it Balanced?
Think Like a Scientist
100

This type of change occurs when ice melts into a liquid.

What is a physical change?

100

Two or more atoms chemically bonded together.

What is a molecule?

100

What do we call the substances present BEFORE a chemical reaction?

What are reactants

100

In a balanced equation, what must be equal on both sides?

The number of atoms of each element.

100

Does dissolving sugar in water usually create a new substance? Explain

No — it is a physical change. The sugar only dissolves in the water and can be extracted.

200

This type of change occurs when a nail rusts outdoors.

What is a chemical change?

200

How many TOTAL atoms are in H₂O?  How many of each?

3 atoms: 2 hydrogen and 1 oxygen.

200

What do we call the substances formed AFTER a chemical reaction?

What are products?

200

Is H₂ + Cl₂ → 2HCl balanced?  How many atoms are on each side of the equation?

Yes: 2 H and 2 Cl on each side.

200

What is the difference between a physical property and a chemical property?

Physical: observed without changing identity; chemical: describes ability to react and form new substances.

300

This type of change occurs when a glass bottle breaks into several pieces.

What is a physical change?

300

How many oxygen atoms are in CaCO₃?

3 oxygen atoms.

300

Name TWO possible signs of a chemical reaction.

Examples: gas formation, precipitate, color change, temperature/light change (context matters).

300

Is H₂ + O₂ → H₂O balanced? Explain.

No. Left: 2 H, 2 O. Right: 2 H, 1 O.

300

Why is a color change alone NOT proof of a chemical reaction?

Color can change through physical processes; consider multiple observations and substance identity.

400

A candle burning and the wax melting would be these types of changes.

Candle burning -- chemical

Wax melting -- physical

400

How many atoms of each element are in 2H₂O?

4 H atoms and 2 O atoms (6 total).

400

Bubbles form when vinegar and baking soda mix. What evidence suggests a reaction?

A gas is produced; the bubbling is evidence of gas formation.

400

Is 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO balanced? Explain.

Yes. Both sides have 2 Mg and 2 O.

400

A sealed reaction starts with 50 g of reactants. What is the total mass of products?

50 grams

500

What type of change occurs when an egg cooks in a frying pan.

What is a chemical change?

500

Count each type of atom in 3Ca(OH)₂.

3 Ca, 6 O, 6 H (15 total).

500

A white solid forms when two clear solutions mix. What is this solid called?

What is a precipitate?

500

Is CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O balanced? Explain.

No. Left: 1 C, 4 H, 4 O. Right: 1 C, 2 H, 3 O.

500

Before mixing, two liquids are clear and 22°C. After mixing, they become cloudy and 31°C. What evidence supports a chemical reaction?

Cloudiness may indicate a precipitate; temperature rises 9°C, suggesting energy release. Together these support a reaction.