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Lesson 18 of 19

6 min

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Here are the rules this track used. Read them, then try the questions.

Changes around us — new substance or not, undo or not
IdeaThe rule
Fold and cutFolding and cutting change the shape. The paper stays paper. No new substance is made.
Ice, water and steamIce, water and steam are one substance in three forms. The weight stays the same.
DissolvingSugar in water is spread too thin to see. Drying the water brings the sugar back.
Cannot be undoneNo new substance is made. Some of these changes still cannot be undone.
A new substanceA chemical change makes a new substance. Lime water turning milky shows carbon dioxide.
Five signsA sign is only a clue. Ask if the stuff at the end is new.
One candleWax melting is physical. Wax vapour burning is chemical. A candle has both.
Two questionsAsk two questions. Is something new made? Can we undo it?
Slow changesRocks break in physical changes. Some rocks change into new substances. Most of these changes are slow.
BurningCombustion needs a combustible substance and oxygen from the air. It gives out heat, light or both.
Fire triangleA fire needs three things: fuel, oxygen and enough heat. Take one away and the fire goes out.
Word equationsIn a word equation, the starting substances are on the left. The new substances are on the right.
Useful and harmfulA desirable change helps us. An undesirable change harms us. The same change can be both.

Ice melts into water. Which kind of change is this?

  • Physical. The water is still water
  • Chemical, because heat was needed
  • Both kinds at once

A sheet of paper burns to ash. Which kind of change is this?

  • Physical, because paper is involved
  • Chemical. Ash is a new substance
  • Neither, because the paper is gone

Salt is stirred into water and dissolves. How can you get the salt back?

  • Let the water dry off. The salt is left behind
  • Filter the water through a cloth
  • You cannot get it back

Vinegar and baking soda fizz. The gas turns lime water milky. What is the gas?

  • Carbon dioxide
  • Steam
  • Air

Steam rises off a boiling pan. A gas comes off. Is something new made?

  • No. Steam is only water
  • Yes, because a gas came off
  • Yes, because the pan is hot

A candle burns and then goes out. What happens to the melted wax pool?

  • It sets hard again
  • It stays liquid
  • It turns into new substances

A clay pot breaks. Which pair is right?

  • No new substance, and it cannot be undone
  • No new substance, and glue undoes it
  • A new substance, and it cannot be undone

Water freezes in a crack and splits a rock. What kind of change is this?

  • Physical
  • Chemical
  • Neither

A cover is put over a burning oil lamp. The flame goes out. What is the reason?

  • The cover makes the flame cold
  • Fresh air cannot reach the flame
  • The lamp has too much oil

A fire blanket is spread over a small fire. Which side of the fire triangle is cut off?

  • Fuel
  • Heat
  • Oxygen

Read: magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide. Which side holds the new substance?

  • The right side, after the arrow
  • The left side, before the arrow
  • Both sides

Food rots in a cupboard. The same rot in a compost pit is useful. What does this show?

  • Rotting is always bad
  • One change can be bad in one place and good in another
  • Compost is not a chemical change

Your NCERT book has the same chapter. Read it with these pictures in mind.

Ask what is there at the end. Ask separately if you can undo it.

The next track is Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change. It asks careful questions about people.

Reveal every answer to finish this lesson.