IGCSE · Chemistry 0620 · Chemical reactions

Physical & chemical changes: IGCSE Chemistry questions with answers

Free Physical & chemical changes questions for IGCSE Chemistry (0620), part of Chemical reactions. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Physical & chemical changes practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Which changes are chemical changes?
1    condensing steam
2    cooking an egg
3    burning magnesium

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 2 and 3 only
  3. C 2 only
  4. D 3 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which term is described by this statement?
“A change in which no new substance is formed, such as a change of state.”

  1. A chemical change
  2. B sacrificial protection
  3. C condensation polymerisation
  4. D physical change
Show answer

Answer: D

Question 3Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Which changes are chemical changes?
1    burning magnesium
2    rusting of iron
3    melting ice

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 1 and 2 only
  3. C 1 only
  4. D 2 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 4Structured · 4 marks

When a candle burns, both physical and chemical changes take place.

(a)

Identify one physical change and one chemical change.

[2]
(b)

Give two signs that a chemical change has occurred.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)wax melts; wax burns
physical: wax melts (or wax vapour condenses) B1
chemical: wax burns forming CO₂ and water B1
2
(b)new substance; energy change; colour change; gas
Any 2 of: a new substance forms; energy change (heat/light); colour change; gas produced B2
2
Question 5Structured · 4 marks

Some changes are physical and some are chemical.

(a)

State two differences between a physical change and a chemical change.

[2]
(b)

Classify each change as physical or chemical: melting ice; burning wood; dissolving sugar; rusting iron.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)new substance; reversibility
Any 2 of: a chemical change forms a new substance, a physical change does not; physical changes are usually easily reversed; chemical changes usually involve an energy change B2
2
(b)P, C, P, C
melting ice and dissolving sugar are physical B1
burning wood and rusting iron are chemical (all four = 2, two or three = 1) B1
2
Question 6Structured · 2 marks

Dissolving salt in water and electrolysing salt solution are different changes.

Explain which is a physical change and which is a chemical change.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
dissolving physical; electrolysis chemical
dissolving is physical as the salt can be recovered by evaporation B1
electrolysis is chemical as new substances (chlorine, hydrogen) form B1
2

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in