Questions: Question 7
2 pts
Which is an example of a physical change?
the melting of snow
the digestion of food
the rusting of an iron nail
the cooking of an egg
the burning of butane in a lighter
Transcript text: Question 7
2 pts
Which is an example of a physical change?
the melting of snow
the digestion of food
the rusting of an iron nail
the cooking of an egg
the burning of butane in a lighter
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Understanding Physical vs. Chemical Changes
A physical change involves a change in the state or appearance of a substance without altering its chemical composition. In contrast, a chemical change results in the formation of one or more new substances with different chemical properties.
Step 2: Analyzing Each Option
The melting of snow: This is a physical change because it involves a change of state from solid (snow) to liquid (water) without changing the chemical composition of H\(_2\)O.
The digestion of food: This is a chemical change because it involves breaking down food into different substances through chemical reactions.
The rusting of an iron nail: This is a chemical change because it involves iron reacting with oxygen to form iron oxide, a new substance.
The cooking of an egg: This is a chemical change because it involves the denaturation of proteins, forming new substances.
The burning of butane in a lighter: This is a chemical change because it involves a combustion reaction, producing new substances like carbon dioxide and water.
Final Answer
The example of a physical change is the melting of snow.