Chapter U3.49, Problem 3E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The term physical change needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: In any process, matter can undergoes two types of changes namely, chemical change and physical change. In chemical change, chemical composition of the matter changes to form a new substance and in physical change, no new compound or substance is formed.

Explanation of Solution

In a process, when change in only physical state of a matter takes place then it is known as physical change. In physical change, no new compound is formed and the chemical properties of matter do not change. This change is reversible in nature.

For example, conversion of ice to liquid water is a physical change.

The conversion is represented as follows:

  ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\left(s\right)\to {\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\left(l\right)$

Here, solid state is changes to liquid state but chemical formula remains the same thus, it is a physical change.