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Quizzes > Science > Chemistry

Take the 3rd Grade Science Quiz: Physical vs Chemical Changes

Ready to ace this matter changes quiz? Dive in and distinguish physical vs chemical transformations!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art beaker test tube molecules quiz icons on dark blue background for 3rd grade science quiz on matter changes

Use this 3rd Grade Science Quiz to practice physical vs chemical changes and spot when matter only changes form or turns into a new substance. Review melting ice, rust, and baking soda fizz, see examples in our quick overview , then try the practice set for instant feedback.

What is a physical change?
A change that produces new substances
A change that always involves color change
A change that releases gas and forms a new compound
A change that alters size, shape, or state but not composition
A physical change affects the form of a substance but does not create a new substance. It can involve changes in size, shape, or state such as melting or freezing. Physical changes are generally reversible and do not alter the chemical identity of the material.
What is a chemical change?
A change that only involves dissolving
A change where new substances with new properties are formed
A reversible change without gas production
A change that only alters state or shape
A chemical change transforms one substance into one or more new substances with different properties. Evidence of a chemical change often includes color change, gas production, or formation of a precipitate. Chemical changes are usually not easily reversible.
Which of the following is an example of a physical change?
Rusting of iron
Burning wood in a fire
Baking bread
Melting ice into water
Melting ice is a physical change because the water changes state from solid to liquid without forming a new substance. It is reversible by freezing. No new molecules are created or destroyed.
Which of the following is an example of a chemical change?
Boiling water
Burning wood
Melting chocolate
Tearing a paper
Burning wood is a chemical change because it produces ash, smoke, and new gases, indicating new substances have formed. The process is not easily reversible. Energy is released as heat and light.
When you tear a piece of paper, what type of change is it?
Reversible change
Chemical change
Nuclear change
Physical change
Tearing paper is a physical change because the paper's shape and size change, but its chemical composition remains the same. No new substances are formed during tearing. This change is reversible only by rejoining the pieces physically.
Which of these is a physical change?
Rusting a nail
Baking a cake
Roasting a marshmallow
Freezing water
Freezing water is a physical change because it changes state from liquid to solid without altering the water molecules. The process is reversible by melting. No new substance is formed.
Dissolving sugar in water is classified as what type of change?
Nuclear change
Chemical change
Biological change
Physical change
Dissolving sugar in water is a physical change because sugar molecules spread out in water but remain chemically the same. The process is reversible by evaporating the water. No new substances are formed.
Rust forming on iron is an example of:
Physical change
Phase change
Chemical change
Magnetic change
Rusting is a chemical change because iron reacts with oxygen and water to form a new substance, iron oxide. It involves the rearrangement of atoms and is not easily reversible. Signs include color change and formation of a new material.
Which change produces bubbles or gas?
Physical change
Magnetic change
Chemical change
Phase change
Gas production, often seen as bubbling or fizzing, indicates a chemical change because new gaseous products form. Physical changes do not produce new gases. Examples include vinegar and baking soda reaction.
Cutting an apple into slices is an example of what?
Physical change
Evaporation
Thermal change
Chemical change
Cutting an apple is a physical change because it changes the apple's shape and size without altering its chemical makeup. The molecules of the apple remain the same. This change is reversible only by physical reassembly.
Cooking an egg on a hot pan is what type of change?
Magnetic change
Physical change
Phase change
Chemical change
Cooking an egg causes proteins to denature and form new structures, creating a new substance. This is a chemical change because you cannot easily reverse it to get a raw egg back. Heat drives the reaction.
Mixing sand and water results in:
Physical change
Thermal change
Biological change
Chemical change
Mixing sand and water is a physical change because both substances keep their original properties and no new substance is formed. You can separate them by filtering or evaporation. No chemical bonds are broken or formed.
Grinding coffee beans into powder is an example of a:
Phase change
Thermal change
Chemical change
Physical change
Grinding coffee beans changes their size and shape but does not create new substances. This is a physical change because the chemical composition remains coffee. It is reversible by collecting the grounds.
Combining vinegar and baking soda produces bubbles. This is a sign of:
Chemical change
Physical change
Phase change
Magnetic change
When vinegar (acid) and baking soda (base) react, they form carbon dioxide gas, which appears as bubbles. This indicates a chemical change because a new substance is produced. The reaction is not easily reversible.
How can you tell a chemical change has occurred?
Only dissolving
Color change and gas formation
Only change in shape
Only change in size
Chemical changes often involve color changes, gas production, temperature changes, or precipitate formation. Physical changes only alter shape or state. Observing new gas bubbles or color shifts indicates new substances formed.
Which law states that mass is neither created nor destroyed during physical or chemical changes?
Law of gravity
Law of motion
Law of conservation of mass
Law of energy
The law of conservation of mass states that in a closed system, mass remains constant during physical and chemical changes. Matter may change form but total mass does not change. This principle is fundamental in chemistry.
Which of these is a reversible change?
Rusting iron
Melting wax and then refreezing it
Cooking an egg
Burning paper
Melting and refreezing wax is reversible because wax can change between solid and liquid without new substances forming. Cooking eggs, rusting, and burning paper produce new substances and are irreversible.
Baking a cake involves which type of change?
Physical change
Phase change
Chemical change
Biological change
Baking a cake triggers chemical reactions like proteins denaturing and starches gelatinizing to form new substances. The process is irreversible. Heat initiates changes that produce new flavors and textures.
Grinding chalk into powder is an example of:
Thermal change
Physical change
Chemical change
Electrical change
Grinding chalk only changes its shape and size without altering its chemical formula (calcium carbonate). It's a reversible physical change. No new substances are produced.
Souring of milk is caused by:
Phase change
Chemical change
Filtration
Physical change
Souring milk happens when bacteria produce lactic acid, changing the milk's chemical composition. This is a chemical change because new acidic substances are formed and taste and texture change.
When hydrogen peroxide bubbles on a cut, it is because of:
Oxidation physical change
Evaporation physical change
Freezing physical change
Decomposition chemical reaction
Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen gas upon contact with tissue. The bubbles of oxygen gas show a chemical change. Catalase enzyme speeds up this reaction in wounds.
Which of these is an endothermic physical change?
Melting ice
Freezing water
Rusting iron
Burning coal
Melting ice absorbs heat from the surroundings, making it an endothermic physical change. The substance changes from solid to liquid without forming a new chemical. Freezing and combustion have different energy flows.
Which example shows a physical state change from solid to gas?
Melting ice
Freezing water
Condensation of steam
Sublimation of dry ice
Dry ice (solid CO?) changes directly into carbon dioxide gas by sublimation, which is a physical change. No new substances form. This process requires energy absorption.
Adding food coloring to water results in:
Nuclear change
Chemical change
Thermal change
Physical change
Food coloring dissolves in water and spreads out, but the dye molecules remain unchanged. This is a physical change and is reversible by removing the water. No reaction occurs.
Which reaction shows a chemical change with temperature change?
Dissolving sugar
Melting wax in a candle
Evaporating water
Mixing acid and base that releases heat
When an acid and base neutralize, they produce salt and water and release heat, indicating an exothermic chemical change. Physical changes may absorb or release heat but do not form new substances.
When two clear solutions mix and a solid forms, this solid is called a:
Precipitate
Emulsion
Solution
Alloy
A precipitate is the solid that forms during a chemical reaction in solution. When ions combine to form an insoluble compound, it appears as a solid. This indicates a chemical change.
Which process describes hydrogen peroxide breaking down into water and oxygen?
Combination reaction
Decomposition reaction
Single replacement reaction
Combustion reaction
Hydrogen peroxide decomposition is a chemical change where one compound breaks into two simpler substances. It releases oxygen gas and heat. Enzymes like catalase speed up this reaction in living cells.
Neutralization of an acid with a base produces:
Salt and water
Carbon dioxide and water
Oxygen and hydrogen
Metal oxide and water
In a neutralization reaction, an acid and base react to form salt and water. This is a chemical change characterized by pH change and heat release.
Which example shows oxidation leading to a chemical change?
Melting butter
Mixing sand and water
Freezing juice
Browning of a cut apple
When an apple is cut and exposed to oxygen, enzymes oxidize its compounds causing browning. This is a chemical change because new pigments form.
Making slime by mixing glue and borax involves:
Chemical change forming a polymer
Physical change of dilution
Evaporation of water
Phase change of glue
Slime formation is a chemical change where borate ions link polymer chains in glue to form a new polymer network. The texture and properties change permanently.
Sublimation is a direct change from solid to gas. Which of these is an example?
Water boiling into steam
Dry ice turning into carbon dioxide gas
Ice melting into water
Steam condensing into water
Dry ice (solid CO?) turns directly into gas without passing through a liquid phase. This is a physical change called sublimation. It absorbs energy from the environment.
Which process is an example of an exothermic chemical change?
Sublimation of dry ice
Melting ice
Burning magnesium ribbon
Dissolving salt in water
Burning magnesium releases a large amount of heat and light, indicating an exothermic chemical reaction that forms magnesium oxide. The chemical composition changes permanently.
Cooking cheese from milk is classified as:
Reversible change
Phase change
Chemical change
Physical change
Cheese making involves chemical reactions where proteins in milk denature and new compounds form. Bacteria ferment lactose into lactic acid changing flavor and texture. This is irreversible.
Fermentation of juice into vinegar is an example of:
Phase change
Physical change
Mechanical change
Chemical change
Fermentation is a chemical change driven by bacteria converting sugars into acids (vinegar). New substances form, and the process is not reversible.
Popcorn popping shows what kind of change?
Biological change
Chemical change
Nuclear change
Physical change
When popcorn pops, water inside kernels turns to steam and expands, causing a physical change in shape. The composition of starch and water remains the same. No new substance is created.
Melting and refreezing paraffin wax is an example of:
Physical change
Combustion
Chemical change
Oxidation
Paraffin wax changes state between solid and liquid without new molecules forming. This reversible physical change only affects its physical state.
Rust forming on a statue over years is what type of change?
Physical change
Phase change
Mechanical change
Chemical change
Statue rusts when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture, creating iron oxide. This irreversible process forms a new substance, indicating a chemical change.
Which reaction is an endothermic chemical change that absorbs energy?
Combustion of gasoline
Rusting of iron
Photosynthesis in plants
Freezing water
Photosynthesis absorbs sunlight (energy) to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This endothermic chemical change stores energy in chemical bonds.
Identifying bond breaking and forming is key to recognizing a:
Phase change
Magnetic change
Chemical change
Physical change
Chemical changes involve breaking old bonds and forming new ones to create different substances. Physical changes do not alter molecular bonds. Observing bond rearrangements confirms a chemical change.
Which example shows both physical and chemical changes in one process?
Dissolving salt in water
Sublimation of dry ice
Melting and refreezing candle wax
Baking bread: dough rises (physical) then browns (chemical)
Baking bread first involves a physical change as dough expands with gas. Then heat causes chemical reactions like browning and starch conversion, creating new substances. This sequence shows both change types.
Which reaction type is identified by electron transfer between reactants?
Physical mixture
Redox reaction
Sublimation
Phase change
Redox reactions involve oxidation (loss of electrons) and reduction (gain of electrons), forming new substances. This is a chemical change due to electron transfer.
Which change is indicated by the formation of a new precipitate and heat release?
Exothermic precipitation reaction
Combustion
Endothermic dissolution
Physical filtration
In an exothermic precipitation reaction, two solutions react to form an insoluble solid and release heat. New substance formation and heat release confirm a chemical change.
Changing the temperature to shift a chemical equilibrium demonstrates control of:
Phase change exclusively
Chemical change direction (Le Chatelier's principle)
Physical change only
Magnetic properties
Le Chatelier's principle states that changing temperature shifts chemical equilibria to oppose the change. This concept applies to chemical reactions, not just physical changes. It shows control over chemical change direction.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Physical Changes -

    Recognize common physical changes such as melting, freezing, and tearing by observing everyday materials.

  2. Distinguish Chemical Changes -

    Describe signs of chemical changes like color change, gas production, or temperature shifts to tell them apart from physical changes.

  3. Classify Matter Transformations -

    Sort various examples from the quiz into physical or chemical categories based on observable properties and reactions.

  4. Analyze Quiz Scenarios -

    Examine 3rd Grade Science Quiz questions to determine whether given examples represent physical or chemical changes.

  5. Apply Knowledge to Real-Life Situations -

    Use understanding of matter changes to predict outcomes in everyday settings, reinforcing problem-solving skills.

  6. Reinforce Key Science Vocabulary -

    Review essential terms related to physical and chemical changes to build confidence and support learning retention.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Physical Change Definition -

    One of the first things to remember when preparing for a 3rd Grade Science Quiz is that a physical change alters the shape, size, or state of matter without creating a new substance. For example, ice melting into water is a physical change because it's still H₂O. According to the National Science Teaching Association, these changes are usually reversible under the right conditions.

  2. Chemical Change Indicators -

    Chemical changes produce new substances and are often identified by color shifts, gas bubbles, or temperature changes. For instance, mixing baking soda and vinegar produces CO₂ bubbles in a classic chemistry demo. This tip is key for acing the physical vs chemical changes quiz and helps reinforce clues from the American Chemical Society.

  3. Reversibility of Changes -

    Physical changes are typically reversible, while most chemical changes are not. Think of folding paper versus burning it; you can unfold paper but you can't recover burned ashes. This reversible vs irreversible trick is a favorite among teachers on 3rd grade science test online practice sites.

  4. Energy Changes in Reactions -

    Energy changes are a hallmark of chemical reactions: exothermic reactions release heat and light, while endothermic ones absorb energy. Lighting a match releases warmth and glow, showing an exothermic change that's often featured in science quizzes for kids. Remembering "exo" means "exit" (energy out) and "endo" means "enter" (energy in) can boost your quiz confidence.

  5. Conservation of Mass -

    The Law of Conservation of Mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed during physical or chemical changes. When hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water (2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O), the total mass before and after stays the same. Recalling this formula and principle helps you tackle any matter changes quiz question with ease.

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