Question

Describe the results of a physical change and list three examples of physical change.

Short answer

A physical change is a modification in the appearance or state of a substance while maintaining its original composition, and it is often reversible. Three examples of physical changes include the melting of ice, where ice changes from solid to liquid while remaining H2O; chopping wood, in which the size and shape of the wood changes without altering its chemical composition; and dissolving sugar in water, where sugar and water molecules remain intact, and their chemical composition does not change.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Physical Change

A physical change involves a modification or alteration in the appearance or state of a substance while maintaining its original composition. During a physical change, no new substance is formed, and the process can typically be reversed.

Characteristics of Physical Change

Some common characteristics of physical changes are: 1. There is no change in the chemical composition of the substance. 2. Physical changes are often reversible. 3. The process involves a change in the physical properties of the substance, such as size, shape, or phase, without altering the chemical identity.

Example 1: Melting Ice

Melting ice is an example of a physical change, where solid ice (H2O) melts to form liquid water (H2O). The chemical composition of the substance remains the same (still H2O), but its state is altered from solid to liquid.

Example 2: Chopping Wood

Chopping wood is another example of a physical change. The process of cutting the wood into smaller pieces changes the size and shape but does not change the chemical composition of the wood. The wood is still made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, amongst other compounds.

Example 3: Dissolving Sugar in Water

Dissolving sugar in water is also an example of a physical change. When sugar is added to water, it dissolves and forms a sugar-water solution. The sugar and water molecules remain intact, and their chemical composition does not change. The process can be reversed by evaporating the water to obtain the sugar crystals.

Key concepts

Reversible Processes

Reversible processes in physical changes are those where the change can be undone, recapturing the original state of the substance. This means that, even after the physical alteration, there is a way to turn the material back to its former state. It's almost like hitting the 'undo' button.
For example, when ice melts into water, it is a reversible change. You can refreeze the water to get ice again. The molecular structure remains as water ($H_{2}O$) throughout these transformations, showing that the change is completely reversible.

• Melting and freezing are typical reversible processes seen in day-to-day life.
• Dissolving salt or sugar in water can be reversed by evaporation.

Understanding reversible processes is crucial in identifying and explaining physical changes, as this reversibility does not occur in chemical changes.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of a substance refers to the specific elements and their amounts in a compound. In a physical change, this composition remains unchanged. This is a defining feature, distinguishing physical changes from chemical ones where a new substance with a different composition is formed.
For example, when you chop wood, the wood remains chemically the same. It is still composed of cellulose, lignin, and other compounds found in the wood. No new substances or chemical reactions occur.
To grasp the concept better:

• When water freezes or boils, it remains water, ($H_{2}O$), regardless of its state as ice, liquid, or steam.
• Even when clay is molded into different shapes, its chemical makeup remains unchanged.

This principle reinforces the understanding that physical changes do not alter the basic nature or chemical structure of the original material.

Phase Changes

Phase changes are transitions between different states of matter: solid, liquid, and gaseous. They are classic examples of physical changes. During these changes, the state or phase of a substance is altered, yet no changes occur in its chemical structure.
Take melting, for instance. As ice melts, it changes from a solid to a liquid, retaining its chemical identity as water ($H_{2}O$). Similarly, when water boils and turns into steam, it undergoes another phase change from liquid to gas.
Here are some common phase changes:

• Melting: Solid to liquid
• Freezing: Liquid to solid
• Boiling/evaporation: Liquid to gas
• Condensation: Gas to liquid

Each change is reversible, stressing the physical nature of the transformation rather than a chemical one, and demonstrating the dynamic yet stable character of matter under varying conditions.