why is it a physical change to freeze water?
a. The new and original substances are different.
b. Only a phase change occurs.
c. A temperature change occurs.
d. Heat is released during the process.
The correct choice is:
b. Only a phase change occurs.
When water freezes, it undergoes a phase change from its liquid state to its solid state. During this process, there is no change in the chemical composition of water. The molecules in the liquid state rearrange themselves into a more ordered and rigid structure typical of a solid, resulting in the formation of ice.
To determine the answer, you can consider the properties of physical changes versus chemical changes. In physical changes, the substance in question undergoes a change in its physical state (such as melting, freezing, boiling, or condensing) without any alteration in its chemical composition. In contrast, chemical changes involve a transformation in the chemical makeup of the substance, resulting in the formation of different substances.
In the case of freezing water, no chemical reactions occur, and no new substances are formed. Therefore, the correct choice is b. Only a phase change occurs.