Physical properties can be observed or measured without changing the identity of matter. Most physical changes are reversible as they only change the form of matter without altering its identity. Examples of physical changes include cutting aluminum foil, molding clay, melting butter, evaporating water, freezing a juice box, and evaporating rubbing alcohol.

1. Physical Properties and Changes
• A physical property of matter can be
observed or measured without changing the
matter’s identity.
• Most physical changes are reversible
because they do not alter the identity of the
matter being changed. Physical changes
only affect the matter’s form.

2. Your Task: Explain why each of the above would be a physical
property leading to a physical change and not a chemical property
leading a chemical change.

3. Physical Changes Examples
Aluminum foil is cut in half.
Clay is molded into a new shape.
Butter melts on warm toast.
Water evaporates from the surface of the ocean.
A juice box in the freezer freezes.
Rubbing alcohol evaporates on your hand.