45.9k views
0 votes
What is a physical change in matter?

2 Answers

4 votes

Final answer:

A physical change is when matter changes its form or properties without changing its chemical identity, such as melting ice or evaporating water.

Step-by-step explanation:

A physical change is a type of change in which the form of matter is altered but its identity remains the same. For example, when an ice cube melts, it goes from a solid to a liquid (Figure 1.2.3); this change alters its shape and allows it to flow, yet the chemical composition of water (H₂O) does not change. Another instance is when water vaporizes; the temperature and energy of water molecules increase leading to evaporation, turning liquid water into water vapor (H₂O (l) → H₂O (g)), without altering the molecular structure.

Sorting a mixture of pennies and nickels changes the arrangement of the coins without changing their properties. Similarly, tearing a piece of paper changes its shape and size, but it remains paper. These examples show that during a physical change, the arrangement of particles may change, but the mass, number of atoms, and number of molecules stay the same.

User Ajay Ghaghretiya
by
8.3k points
5 votes

Answer:Physical changes involve states of matter and energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

No new substance is created during a physical change, although the matter takes a different form. The size, shape, and color of matter may change. Physical changes occur when substances are mixed but don't chemically react.

User Mrzrm
by
8.6k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.