Starfish opening a clam is physical or chemical change
Starfish opening a clam is a physical change. A physical change refers to a change in appearance, shape, or state of matter, without altering the chemical composition of a substance. In this case, the starfish is physically manipulating the clam's shell to gain access to the interior, but it doesn't result in any chemical reactions or modifications in the composition of the clam or the starfish.
When a starfish opens a clam, it is considered a physical change. A physical change does not result in the formation of new substances. In this case, the act of the starfish opening the clam involves a change in the clam's physical shape or position. The starfish does not alter the chemical composition of the clam or create any new substances during this process.
Determining whether starfish opening a clam is a physical or chemical change can be done by understanding the nature of each type of change.
A physical change refers to a change in the physical properties of a substance, where the original substance remains the same chemically. In these types of changes, the molecular structure remains intact, and no new substances are formed.
On the other hand, a chemical change involves a transformation at the molecular level, resulting in the formation of new substances. Chemical changes typically involve the breaking and forming of chemical bonds between atoms, leading to a change in the chemical composition of the substances involved.
In the case of a starfish opening a clam, it is considered a physical change. The act of the starfish using its arms to pry open a clam does not involve any chemical transformations. The starfish applies a force to the clam's shell, causing it to separate or open. This action only changes the position or shape of the clam, without altering its chemical composition or the molecular structure of its constituent substances. Therefore, it is considered a physical change.