Physical science is the study of matter and energy, which includes all of your surroundings, including things you cannot see. Energy is the ability to do work and gives matter the ability to change. Physical science combines chemistry and physics.  Chemistry is the study of matter and energy at the molecular scale.  It includes concepts such as chemicals, types of matter, and chemical reactions.  Everything you can taste, touch, and even smell is a chemical.  Changing leaves, rusting metal, and even baking a cake are all examples of chemical changes happening around you.

Physics studies matter and energy at all scales, from the tiniest particle of matter to the entire universe.  Concepts include motion and forces, forms of energy, and how energy interacts with matter.  Physics can help you learn about everything in the world around you since everything consists of matter and energy.  Examples include lights in your home, reflections in the mirror, how things fly, and differences in sound.  What other examples can you think of?

Review:

1. What is physical science a combination of?
2. What are two examples of chemical changes?
3. What is physics?