Summarise reversible and irreversible changes - Worksheet

Reversible and irreversible changes are two categories that describe how materials can be altered and whether they can return to their original form. Reversible changes are those where the material can change state or form and be returned to its original state. Common examples include melting ice, which can refreeze into solid ice, or dissolving salt in water, which can be recovered through evaporation. These changes do not create new substances and are often physical changes that can be undone by altering conditions such as temperature or pressure.

Irreversible changes, on the other hand, result in the creation of new substances and cannot be undone. Once an irreversible change has occurred, the original materials cannot be recovered. Examples include burning wood, which turns to ash and cannot become wood again, or mixing vinegar and baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas and a new liquid. These changes often involve chemical reactions and are permanent. Understanding which materials are subject to reversible or irreversible changes is fundamental in predicting the outcomes of different processes and experiments.