Temperature physical or chemical change

In summary, temperature can cause a chemical change under certain circumstances. For example, if the temperature is raised to extremely high levels, compounds like water can dissociate into their component atoms. At more manageable temperatures, compounds like nitrogen dioxide can also undergo chemical changes, such as decomposing into separate molecules. However, at lower temperatures, these compounds can recombine.
  • #1
AMan24
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If you Increase or decrease temperature and change states of matter, that's a physical change.

But are there any circumstances where temperature can cause a chemical change? Like if increasing temperature could break the bonds between the atoms and separate them? And I don't mean a combustion reaction. I'm talking about just temperature change.

And if temperature can cause chemical change, then what if you heat H2O to really high temperatures? Like super high temperatures, would it break up into H2 and O2?
 
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  • #2
AMan24 said:
temperature is a chemical change

That's purely nonsensical as stated. I guess what you mean is "are there any circumstances where change in temperature produces a chemical change".

Yes. Water example is a good one.
 
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Likes AMan24
  • #3
yeah that's exactly what i meant
 
  • #4
Every compound will dissociate at very high temperatures , the water you mention will become a mix , continually breaking apart and recombining ...

At more manageable temperatures there is nitrogen dioxide ... at low temperatures it exists as N2O4 molecules warm it up and there will be more and more NO2 molecules

At 150C it will decompose 2 NO2 → 2 NO + O2 ...cool it down and it recombines.
 

Related to Temperature physical or chemical change

1. What is the difference between a physical and chemical change in temperature?

A physical change in temperature is when the temperature of a substance changes, but the composition of the substance remains the same. A chemical change in temperature is when the temperature of a substance changes due to a chemical reaction, resulting in a change in the composition of the substance.

2. How can temperature be used to determine if a change is physical or chemical?

If the temperature change can be reversed by changing the conditions or removing the source of heat, it is a physical change. If the temperature change is accompanied by a change in the chemical properties or composition of the substance, it is a chemical change.

3. Can temperature alone cause a chemical change?

No, temperature alone cannot cause a chemical change. A chemical change requires a chemical reaction to occur, which is often initiated by a change in temperature.

4. How does temperature affect the rate of a chemical reaction?

Generally, an increase in temperature will increase the rate of a chemical reaction by providing more energy for the reactant molecules to collide and react. A decrease in temperature will decrease the rate of a chemical reaction by slowing down the movement and collisions of the reactant molecules.

5. Does temperature have an effect on the physical properties of a substance?

Yes, temperature can affect the physical properties of a substance. For example, as temperature increases, most substances will expand and become less dense, while a decrease in temperature will cause them to contract and become more dense. Temperature can also affect the state of matter of a substance, such as melting a solid into a liquid or vaporizing a liquid into a gas.

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