Which is an example of a physical change?

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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Which is an example of a physical change?

**Understanding Physical and Chemical Changes**

*Physical Change vs Chemical Change:*

To understand the difference between physical and chemical changes, let's analyze this question:

**Question:** Which is an example of a physical change?

1. **ice melting**
2. gasoline burning
3. food being digested in your stomach
4. a nail rusting

**Explanation:**

- **Physical Change:** This type of change affects the form of a chemical substance, but not its chemical composition. The molecules are rearranged, but their internal structure remains the same. 
  - *Example:* Ice melting. When ice melts, it changes its state from solid to liquid, but its chemical composition (H₂O) remains unchanged.

- **Chemical Change:** This change occurs when a substance combines with another to form a new substance; this process is called chemical synthesis or, alternatively, chemical decomposition into two or more different substances.
  - *Examples:*
    - **Gasoline burning:** A combustion reaction where gasoline reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
    - **Food being digested in your stomach:** Enzymatic reactions break down complex molecules into simpler substances.
    - **A nail rusting:** Iron reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide, a new substance.

Thus, the correct answer for a physical change from the provided options is:
1. **ice melting**
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding Physical and Chemical Changes** *Physical Change vs Chemical Change:* To understand the difference between physical and chemical changes, let's analyze this question: **Question:** Which is an example of a physical change? 1. **ice melting** 2. gasoline burning 3. food being digested in your stomach 4. a nail rusting **Explanation:** - **Physical Change:** This type of change affects the form of a chemical substance, but not its chemical composition. The molecules are rearranged, but their internal structure remains the same. - *Example:* Ice melting. When ice melts, it changes its state from solid to liquid, but its chemical composition (H₂O) remains unchanged. - **Chemical Change:** This change occurs when a substance combines with another to form a new substance; this process is called chemical synthesis or, alternatively, chemical decomposition into two or more different substances. - *Examples:* - **Gasoline burning:** A combustion reaction where gasoline reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy. - **Food being digested in your stomach:** Enzymatic reactions break down complex molecules into simpler substances. - **A nail rusting:** Iron reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide, a new substance. Thus, the correct answer for a physical change from the provided options is: 1. **ice melting**
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