I have to do a miniature science project for fall intercession homework, demonstrating a physical change and chemical change. I know what to do for the physical change part of my project, but I’m not so sure about the chemical change. I was thinking about burning a piece of paper, and I can see the evidence of it being a chemical change, but I’m not sure exactly how it is a chemical change. Can someone explain this to me better? Thanks much!



By: Kiefer H

2 Responses to “How is burning a piece of paper considered a chemical change (in terms of chemistry?)?”

1. bootitgood on July 21st, 2009 12:17 am

   Combustion, or the flame based oxidization of a piece of paper is a chemical change. The paper is converted from cellulose to carbon and greenhouse gasses by the process of rapid oxidization.It is also an exothermic chemical reaction as it produces heat energy during the process.

2. Aris on July 22nd, 2009 2:30 am

   Combustion is a chemical reaction. In complete combustion(which is the only type you’ll be needing to talk about more than likely) reactions, a compound reacts with an oxidizing element, such as oxygen, and the products are compounds of each element in the fuel with the oxidizing element. For example:

   CH4 + (2)O2 → CO2 + (2)H2O + heat

   or even simpler

   (2)H2 + O2 → (2)H20 + heat

   A chemical reaction is just whenever two chemicals are combined and create a new compound. So your paper is combining with oxygen(under the influence of heat) to create byproducts of whatever was in the paper and oxygen.

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