When a match stick turns to ash while burning is it a chemical or physical change?
2 Answers
Apr 14, 2017
A burning match is a chemical change.
Explanation:
Burning is defined as the rapid oxidation of a combustible material.
Complete oxidation of the match stick results in an entirely different compound (the ash) while electrons are lost by the wood of the match.
This is well beyond the scope of a physical change.
Apr 14, 2017
Which do you think?
Explanation:
Chemical change is characterized by the formation of new substances and the making and breaking of strong chemical bonds. When a match burns, certainly we release carbon dioxide AND water, and a residue of inorganic salts remain.
If you have COLD wood-ash (so I am told), you can use to clean yourself as you would soap (I would want to have a good rinse afterwards, mind).
