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Quizzes > Science

Chemistry Chapter 2 Test: Practice Chemical and Physical Changes

Quick chemistry chapter 2 quiz to check your understanding. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Hether DarnellUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art chemistry quiz scene with beaker flasks molecules atom symbols on coral background

This chemistry chapter 2 test helps you review chemical and physical changes, reaction types, and how atoms behave. If you need a quick refresh, try the chemistry chapter 1 quiz or the chemistry unit 1 practice test, then deepen your skills with an ionic compound quiz.

Which of the following is a chemical change?
Chopping a block of wood
Iron rusting when exposed to air
Water freezing into ice
Dissolving sugar in tea
Iron rusting is a chemical change because it forms a new substance - iron oxide. The other choices are physical changes as they don't produce new substances.
A chemical equation must be balanced to satisfy the law of conservation of mass.
False
False
True
True
Balanced equations ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides, reflecting mass conservation.
Which equation is an example of a synthesis reaction?
H?CO? ? H?O + CO?
AgNO? + NaCl ? AgCl + NaNO?
Zn + CuSO? ? ZnSO? + Cu
2Na + Cl? ? 2NaCl
In a synthesis reaction, two or more reactants combine to form one product, as shown in 2Na + Cl? ? 2NaCl.
Dew forming on grass in the morning is an example of a chemical change.
True
False
True
False
Dew forming is a physical change; water vapor condenses into liquid without forming new substances.
Choose the reaction that demonstrates a double replacement pattern.
Fe + CuSO? ? FeSO? + Cu
AgNO? + NaCl ? AgCl + NaNO?
2H? + O? ? 2H?O
2KClO? ? 2KCl + 3O?
Double replacement involves the exchange of parts between two compounds, as in AgNO? + NaCl ? AgCl + NaNO?.
Exothermic reactions absorb energy from their surroundings.
False
False
True
True
Exothermic reactions release energy to the surroundings; endothermic reactions absorb energy.
The atomic number of an element represents the number of:
Electrons in the outer shell
Atoms in one mole
Neutrons in the nucleus
Protons in the nucleus
Atomic number equals the number of protons in an atom's nucleus, which defines the element.
Burning a candle is a physical change because only the state of wax changes.
False
True
True
False
Burning a candle involves chemical changes: wax reacts with oxygen to form new substances (CO?, water), not just a change in state.
Which process is endothermic?
Rusting of iron
Condensation of steam
Burning paper
Melting ice into liquid water
Melting ice absorbs heat from the surroundings, making it endothermic. Burning and rusting release heat.
In a chemical reaction, the starting substances are called products.
True
False
True
False
The starting substances are called reactants. Products are the substances formed by the reaction.
Which of the following best indicates a chemical change has occurred?
A liquid is poured into another liquid
A new color appears unexpectedly
A solid is crushed
A gas is compressed
A new, unexpected color indicates a chemical reaction; the others describe physical changes.
A decomposition reaction involves one reactant forming multiple products.
False
False
True
True
In decomposition, a compound breaks down into two or more products, as in AB ? A + B.
Which best describes a catalyst's role in a chemical reaction?
It lowers the activation energy required for the reaction.
It increases the mass of products.
It is consumed by the reaction.
It changes the chemical equation's reactants and products.
A catalyst provides an easier pathway with lower activation energy but isn't consumed or alters reactant/product totals.
Ions form when atoms gain or lose electrons during a reaction.
True
True
False
False
Atoms gain or lose electrons to form ions, altering their charge but not their type.
Which subatomic particle is responsible for an atom's chemical behavior?
The proton
The electron
The nucleus
The neutron
Electrons, especially valence electrons, determine chemical behavior and bonding.
Boiling water is a chemical change because it produces steam.
True
True
False
False
Boiling water is a physical change; both water and steam are H?O with no new substances formed.
What does the coefficient in a balanced chemical equation represent?
Number of electrons
Type of chemical bond present
The number of molecules or moles involved
Mass of the element
Coefficients specify the ratio of molecules or moles reacting or produced, ensuring atom counts are balanced.
A glass shattering is an example of a chemical change.
False
True
False
True
Breaking glass is a physical change; the glass's structure changes, but no new substances are produced.
Which pair demonstrates a single replacement reaction?
NaOH + HCl ? NaCl + H?O
CaCO? ? CaO + CO?
Zn + CuSO? ? ZnSO? + Cu
2H? + O? ? 2H?O
Single replacement involves one element displacing another in a compound, matching Zn + CuSO? ? ZnSO? + Cu.
The mass of the products in a chemical reaction is always less than the mass of the reactants.
False
True
True
False
The mass of reactants equals the mass of products due to conservation of mass.
0
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Chemical vs. Physical Changes -

    Distinguish between chemical reactions and physical transformations by identifying key evidence and characteristics in various scenarios.

  2. Identify Reactants and Products -

    Recognize and label the reactants, products, and reaction arrows in balanced chemical equations during the chemical reactions quiz.

  3. Analyze Energy and Mass Changes -

    Calculate and track mass and energy conservation in chemical processes, reinforcing core principles of the chemistry chapter 2 practice test.

  4. Predict Atom Behavior -

    Apply atomic theory to forecast electron movements and bonding patterns in different reaction types on the atom behavior quiz.

  5. Evaluate Substance Properties -

    Assess physical and chemical properties of materials through targeted practice questions to sharpen analytical skills.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Distinguishing Physical vs Chemical Changes -

    Review how physical changes (like melting ice) alter state without changing composition, while chemical changes (such as rusting iron) form new substances. A handy mnemonic for chemical cues is "CLIP": Color change, Light emission, Ion formation (pH change), Precipitate. Practicing these definitions in a physical changes quiz can sharpen your recognition skills.

  2. Balancing Equations & Conservation of Mass -

    The law of conservation of mass dictates that atoms are neither created nor destroyed, so coefficients must balance each element on both sides (e.g., 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O). Before your chemistry chapter 2 test, write element tallies above and below the arrow to ensure atom counts match. This systematic approach - used by universities like MIT - guarantees balanced equations every time.

  3. Classifying Reaction Types -

    Memorize four main reaction classes: synthesis (A + B → AB), decomposition (AB → A + B), single replacement (A + BC → AC + B), and double replacement (AB + CD → AD + CB). When tackling a chemical reactions quiz, jot down a sample equation for each type to cement patterns. Many instructors recommend color-coding reaction categories for visual reinforcement.

  4. Atomic Structure & Behavior -

    Understand that atomic number (Z) equals proton count, while mass number (A) equals protons plus neutrons - e.g., carbon-14 has Z = 6, A = 14. Electron shells and valence electrons govern reactivity, so for an atom behavior quiz, draw Bohr diagrams showing each shell's occupancy. Use the mnemonic "1s² 2s² 2p❶" to recall how electrons fill shells by increasing energy levels.

  5. Energy Changes in Reactions -

    Differentiate exothermic (releases heat, ΔH < 0) from endothermic (absorbs heat, ΔH > 0) processes using potential-energy diagrams. On your chemistry chapter 2 practice test, label activation energy (Ea) and reaction enthalpy (ΔH) on a sample curve to visualize energy barriers. Remember "Ea up, Ee down" to recall that catalysts lower activation energy without affecting ΔH.

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