Which option is an example of a physical change?
Responses
baking a cake
baking a cake
grinding pepper
grinding pepper
toasting bread
toasting bread
lighting up a grill
grinding pepper
Grinding pepper is an example of a physical change because it involves mechanically breaking down the pepper into smaller pieces without altering its chemical composition.
To determine which option is an example of a physical change, we need to understand what physical changes are.
A physical change is a type of change that alters the physical properties of a substance without changing its chemical composition. In other words, the arrangement, shape, or state of matter may change, but the substance itself remains the same.
Let's evaluate each option:
1. Baking a cake: The process of baking a cake involves turning a batter into a solid cake by applying heat. This involves a chemical change as the ingredients react and form new substances. Therefore, this is not an example of a physical change.
2. Grinding pepper: When you grind pepper, you are breaking it down into smaller pieces. The pepper bits retain their chemical composition, and the size and texture change. This is an example of a physical change as only the physical properties of the pepper are altered.
3. Toasting bread: Toasting bread involves applying heat to it, causing it to become brown and crispy. The heat causes some chemical reactions, such as the Maillard reaction, which alters the taste and texture, but the bread's chemical composition remains the same. This is an example of a physical change.
4. Lighting up a grill: When you light up a grill, you are setting fire to some flammable material like charcoal or gas. This involves a chemical change as the materials undergo combustion and produce heat and light. Therefore, this is not an example of a physical change.
Based on this analysis, the option "grinding pepper" is the example of a physical change.