Let's take a look at two types of changes:
A chemical change happens when one type of matter changes into another type of matter with totally different properties.
Most chemical changes cannot be reversed because totally new substances are formed.
Example: Burning paper is a chemical change. The paper turns to ash, and that cannot be reversed.
A physical change is any change in size, shape, form, or state of matter.
The matter stays the same, only some physical properties change.
Most physical changes can be reversed.
Example: Ripping paper is a physical change. The paper has changed in size and shape, but it’s still paper.