Understand the Characteristics of Physical and Chemical Changes So as Not to Be Misidentified

Illustration of the characteristics of chemical changes (freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - Have you ever wondered why iron can rust or wood turns into ash? Well, these phenomena are real examples of the characteristics of chemical changes that we often encounter in daily activities.

Understanding this process is very important so that we can distinguish which reactions are beneficial and which actually damage the matter around us through the observation of physical signs that appear.

Dilansir VOI dari laman Telkom University dan Fakultas Teknik Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, berikut ini beberapa hal yang perlu Anda ketahui terkait dengan perubahan kimia:

What is Chemical Change?

Chemical changes, or what is often referred to as chemical reactions, are a phenomenon in which molecular substances interact with each other to form entirely new entities.

Well, unlike physical changes, this process involves the breaking and formation of interatomic bonds.

During the course of its transformation, the old molecule will undergo disruption and reassemble into a different structure. This is what causes the resulting substance to have characteristics that are very different from its original substance.

5 Characteristics of Chemical Changes that are Easy to Recognize

Still confused? To identify whether an object is undergoing a chemical reaction, you can pay attention to the following indicators:

Temperature Change Occurs

A strong indication of a chemical reaction is a change in temperature. There are reactions that release energy (exothermic) such as combustion that produces heat, but there are also those that require additional energy (endothermic) so that the surrounding environment feels cold.

Color Change Occurs

The color of a substance can change permanently when its molecular structure changes. The most common example is the metal iron which turns brown when it starts to rust due to oxidation.

Endapan appears.

Have you ever mixed two clear solutions and then a solid substance appeared at the bottom? This insoluble substance is called a precipitate. The appearance of the precipitate is an authentic sign that a new compound has been formed.

Gas appears.

The formation of bubbles or gas often occurs in chemical processes. For example, when you mix hydrochloric acid with sodium bicarbonate, carbon dioxide gas will appear as a result of the reaction.

pH Change Occurs

Chemical reactions often change the acidity level of a substance. This change in pH value indicates an increase or decrease in the acidic or basic properties of the material.

Also read the article Seeing a Chemical Glass Complete with Functions, Types and Constituents

Understanding the Important Aspects of Chemical Changes

In addition to the physical characteristics above, there are three fundamental aspects that distinguish the characteristics of chemical changes from other changes, among others:

Causes of Change: It can be triggered by oxygen (oxidation), water, heat, to sun exposure. Irreversible nature: The result of chemical changes is generally not reversible to its original form. The ash from burning wood will never be able to become wood again. Molecular Composition: What changes is not just its outer shape, but the molecular composition inside. Real Examples of Chemical Changes in Everyday Life

For those of you who are still confused, in order to be easier to understand, here we present some examples that you often encounter:

Photosynthesis: Plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. Food putrefaction: Microbial activity that changes the structure of food until it smells bad. Fermentation: The process of making bread or yogurt that produces new substances through the help of microbes. Corrosion: A reaction between iron and oxygen in moist air.

Understanding the characteristics of chemical changes helps us realize how dynamic the matter in the universe is. From changes in temperature, color, to the formation of gases and deposits. Hopefully, by understanding it, you can be more alert to environmental changes, such as food decay or metal damage.