Final answer:
Manufacturing refers to the process where materials are physically or chemically changed during production, involving either physical processes or chemical processes. Enhancement of product output and efficiency is a key goal in manufacturing, influenced by the nature of raw materials and manufacturing processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When materials are physically or chemically changed during production, the activity is referred to as manufacturing. To be more specific, alterations that don't change the elemental composition of the substance are considered physical processes, while changes that do alter the elemental composition are known as chemical processes or reactions. In a historical context, the huge growth of the manufacturing sector marked the Industrial Revolution in the United States, transforming it into the main area of economic growth until the late 20th century.
During manufacturing, a key objective is to maximize output and efficiency. This means that in chemical manufacturing, scientists and engineers continuously measure the amount of material produced and develop methods to increase product yield while reducing costs. The nature of the manufacturing process - whether it is bulk reducing or bulk gaining - also influences where products are made, in relation to the proximity to raw materials.
Understanding physical and chemical changes is essential for chemists and engineers to improve manufacturing processes and output. Each process in manufacturing is carefully analyzed to determine whether a physical or chemical change has occurred, which is crucial for quality control and product development.