# Explain why evaporation is described as a physical change rather than a chemical change.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.3.1 Changes of state and the particle model · Explain · 4 marks

> A puddle of water gradually disappears on a warm day as the water evaporates into the air.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Evaporation is a change of state (from liquid to vapour/gas)
2. The chemical structure / composition of the substance does not change
3. The change is reversible (the substance can restore its original properties)
4. Chemical changes are not (usually) reversible / do not restore original properties, so evaporation does not meet this criterion

## Key terms

- [evaporation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/evaporation)
- [physical change](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/physical-change)
- [chemical change](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/chemical-change)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-evaporation-is-described-as-87e14e14) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.