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Which of the following substances produced a physical change on the coin's surface?

A. Sodium hypochlorite
B. Hydrogen sulfide solution
C. Baking soda paste
D. Vinegar

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Baking soda paste typically produces a physical change on a coin's surface by acting as a mild abrasive without inducing a chemical reaction. Vinegar, however, causes a chemical change by reacting chemically with the metal of the coin.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the substances listed that produced a physical change on the coin's surface, Baking soda paste would typically result in a physical change. This is because baking soda, when applied to a coin's surface, can act as a mild abrasive that physically cleans the coin by removing tarnish through scrubbing without inducing a chemical reaction with the coin's metal. However, the provided solution indicates an error by suggesting sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen sulfide solution, or vinegar caused a physical change. Vinegar, containing acetic acid (CH3COOH), reacts chemically with the metals in a coin, especially if the coin contains copper, leading to a chemical change, contrary to the provided solution which doesn't follow the principles of chemistry.

In general, chemical changes are those where a new substance is formed, while physical changes involve a change in physical properties without altering the chemical identity of the substance. Examples of chemical changes include the rusting of iron and the reaction of vinegar with baking soda. An example of a physical change is the melting of ice water.

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