Which statement best describes why a chemical change is different from a physical change?
Responses
A chemical change is used by scientists to create new substances, and a physical change happens naturally.
A chemical change is used by scientists to create new substances, and a physical change happens naturally.
A chemical change results in a different state of matter, and a physical change results in a new substance being formed.
A chemical change results in a different state of matter, and a physical change results in a new substance being formed.
A chemical change results in a new substance being formed; whereas, a physical change will result in a different state of matter.
A chemical change results in a new substance being formed; whereas, a physical change will result in a different state of matter.
A chemical change is used to identify characteristics of a substance, and a physical change identifies the behavior of a substance when in a reaction.
A chemical change results in a new substance being formed; whereas, a physical change will result in a different state of matter.
The correct statement is: A chemical change results in a new substance being formed; whereas, a physical change will result in a different state of matter.
The correct statement is: A chemical change results in a new substance being formed, whereas a physical change will result in a different state of matter.
To understand why this statement is correct, we need to understand the difference between a chemical change and a physical change.
A chemical change, also known as a chemical reaction, occurs when the atoms or molecules of a substance rearrange to form one or more new substances with different properties. During a chemical change, there is a breaking and forming of chemical bonds, resulting in the conversion of reactants into products. For example, when wood burns, it undergoes a chemical change as the carbon and hydrogen atoms in the wood react with oxygen from the air to produce carbon dioxide and water vapor.
On the other hand, a physical change involves a change in the physical properties of a substance without any change in its chemical composition. Physical changes usually involve changes in the state of matter, such as when ice melts to form liquid water or when water vapor condenses to form liquid water. In these cases, the molecules remain the same, and no new substances are formed.
Based on this distinction, the statement that "a chemical change results in a new substance being formed," while "a physical change will result in a different state of matter" is the most accurate description of the difference between these two types of changes.