An example of a physical change is

Assessment: JAMB UTME - Chemistry - 2024 Subject: Chemistry

Question 1 Report

An example of a physical change is 
Answer Details

An example of a physical change is the boiling of water. Let me explain why this is considered a physical change:


A physical change is a change where the substances involved do not change their chemical composition, meaning they remain the same substance, just in a different form or appearance. In the case of boiling water, when water is heated to its boiling point, it changes from a liquid to a gas (steam), but it is still comprised of water molecules (H2O). The change is reversible, so the gas can condense back into liquid water without any new substance being formed.


On the other hand:


  • Exposing sodium metal to air: This is a chemical change as sodium reacts with components in the air, such as oxygen, forming new substances like sodium oxide.
  • Dissolving calcium metal in water: This is a chemical change because calcium reacts with water to produce calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, forming new substances.
  • Burning of kerosene: This is a chemical change as kerosene reacts with oxygen in the air to form new substances like carbon dioxide and water, and this transformation is irreversible.

Thus, boiling water is an excellent example of a physical change as it involves only the change in the state of matter without altering the substance's identity.

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