Question

A student observes zinc turning from a solid to a liquid in a laboratory investigation. Which statement describes the change in zinc atoms while melting?

a) Zinc atoms are destroyed
b) Zinc atoms undergo a chemical reaction
c) Zinc atoms remain unchanged
d) Zinc atoms change their atomic number

Answer 1

The correct statement describing the change in zinc atoms while melting is that the zinc atoms remain unchanged. This is because melting is a physical change that does not alter the chemical composition or the atomic number of the atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a student observes zinc turning from a solid to a liquid, such as in a laboratory investigation, they are witnessing melting, which is a physical change rather than a chemical change. The correct statement to describe the change in zinc atoms while melting is:
(c) Zinc atoms remain unchanged.

During the process of melting, the arrangement of zinc atoms changes from a fixed, rigid structure to a more fluid structure as they gain energy. However, no new substances are formed, and there is no change in the chemical composition or identity of the atoms. Melting involves a transfer of energy, but this does not alter the atomic number or involve the destruction of atoms.