Chapter 6, Problem 5A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Chemistry is the study of matter − its composition and properties. Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. All of the organisms that we study in biology are made up of matter and the chemical reactions that occur in them helps to grow, reproduce, develop, and adapt.

Answer to Problem 5A

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (C) a chemical reaction

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (C) a chemical reaction. A chemical reaction is the process by which atoms or groups of atoms in substances are reorganized into different substances. Chemical bonds are broken and formed during chemical reaction. Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy needed for reactants to form products in a chemical reaction. The flame provides the activation energy for the reaction of the substances in the candle wick with oxygen. So, the correct answer is option (C).

Explanation for incorrect answer :

Option (A) a covalent bond. Covalent bonds are the chemical bond that forms when electrons are shared. It is a type of chemical bond through which most of compounds in living organisms are held together. So, this is an incorrect option.

Option (B) a physical property. The physical properties of matter are any properties that can be interpreted or observed without altering the sample's chemical composition. There is no involvement of chemical reaction. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (D) van der Waals forces. Van der Waals forces is the attractions between molecules where molecules come together, the attractive forces between these positive and negative regions pull on the molecules and hold together. So, this is an incorrect answer.