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Which of the following is a physical change? Select all that apply.

A) chopping wood
B) bending metal
C) cutting a cake
D) frying an egg

User Kaylie
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Chopping wood, bending metal, and cutting a cake are all physical changes because they alter the form of the material without changing its chemical composition. However, frying an egg is a chemical change due to the denaturation of proteins resulting in new substances being formed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks to identify which of the options represent a physical change. A physical change is characterized by a change in the form or state of matter, but the substance itself doesn't become a different substance. A physical change is often reversible.

  • A) Chopping wood: This is a physical change because the wood is being cut into smaller pieces, but it's still wood.
  • B) Bending metal: Bending metal alters its shape, not its chemical identity, thus it is a physical change.
  • C) Cutting a cake: Similar to chopping wood, cutting a cake changes its shape but not its chemical composition, making it a physical change.
  • D) Frying an egg: This is a chemical change because the proteins in the egg are being denatured by the heat, causing a permanent change in the chemical nature of the egg.

Therefore, chopping wood (A), bending metal (B), and cutting a cake (C) are examples of physical changes. Frying an egg (D), however, is not a physical change because it results in new substances being formed, hence it's a chemical change.

User Pacomet
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