Science Notes for Chapter 5 Physical and Chemical Changes Class 7 - FREE PDF Download
FAQs on Physical and Chemical Changes Class 7 Science Chapter 5 CBSE Notes - 2025-26
1. What are the main topics I should cover for a quick revision of Chapter 5, Physical and Chemical Changes?
For a quick and effective revision, you should focus on these key concepts:
- The definitions and core differences between physical and chemical changes.
- Everyday examples of both types of changes.
- The process of rusting, including the conditions required for it.
- Methods to prevent rusting, like painting and galvanisation.
- The concept and process of crystallisation.
2. How can I quickly tell if a change is physical or chemical?
The easiest way is to ask if a new substance is formed. If no new substance is created and the change is usually reversible (like melting ice into water), it's a physical change. If a completely new substance appears, often with signs like a colour change, gas release, or heat, it's a chemical change (like burning paper to ash).
3. What are the key signs that show a chemical change has happened?
When revising, look for these four main indicators of a chemical change:
- Production of heat or light (e.g., burning a magnesium ribbon).
- Formation of a gas (e.g., adding vinegar to baking soda).
- A noticeable change in colour (e.g., an apple slice turning brown).
- Formation of a solid precipitate.
4. Why is rusting of iron considered a chemical change and not a physical one?
Rusting is a chemical change because the iron reacts with oxygen and water in the air to form a completely new substance called iron oxide, which we know as rust. The original iron is transformed, and this process is not easily reversible, which is a key characteristic of chemical changes.
5. How does crystallisation work as a method of purification?
Crystallisation is a great example of a physical change used for purification. It involves dissolving a substance in a liquid and then allowing it to cool or evaporate slowly. This process separates a pure solid from a solution in the form of its crystals. For example, large, pure crystals of copper sulphate can be obtained from an impure solution this way.
6. Are all physical changes reversible? Can you explain with an example from the chapter?
While most physical changes are reversible, not all are. For example, melting ice is reversible because you can freeze the water back into ice. However, breaking a glass or tearing a piece of paper is a physical change that is irreversible because you cannot easily put the pieces back together to form the original object.
7. What is the simple chemical reaction for rusting that I should remember from these notes?
A simple way to remember the reaction for rusting is: Iron (Fe) + Oxygen (O₂) + Water (H₂O) → Rust (Iron Oxide, Fe₂O₃). This summary helps you recall that both oxygen and moisture are essential for rust to form.
8. What is galvanisation and how does it relate to the concepts in this chapter?
Galvanisation is a practical application of understanding chemical changes. It is the process of applying a protective layer of zinc onto iron or steel to prevent rusting. This works because zinc is more reactive and corrodes first, sacrificing itself to protect the iron underneath. It's a key method for preventing the unwanted chemical change of rusting.
















