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What is a physical change n terms of particle arrangement

User Hansang
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A physical change is a change which only affects the form of a substance, but not its chemical composition. So, a physical change in terms of particle arrangement states that particles do not change apart from gaining or losing energy. It can be explained using the examples of freezing and melting.

When a substance is solid, its particles like atoms and molecules are very tightly packed. These cannot move freely but when a substance is in liquid or gaseous state, the particles are loosely packed and can move freely. So when water is solid the particles are tight but when it is in liquid state same particles can move faster. Hence, particles are same but their energy has changed.

User Jeffrey Berthiaume
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