What Qualifies as a Non-Physical Change- Identifying the Exception on the List

Which of the following would not be a physical change? This question often puzzles many, especially when it comes to distinguishing between physical and chemical changes. In this article, we will explore various examples to help you identify the one that does not represent a physical change.

Physical changes refer to alterations in the form or appearance of a substance without changing its chemical composition. These changes are usually reversible, and the substance remains the same after the change. On the other hand, chemical changes involve the formation of new substances with different properties, and they are often irreversible.

Let’s examine some examples to understand the difference:

1. Melting ice: When ice melts, it changes from a solid to a liquid state. However, the chemical composition of water remains the same. This is a physical change.

2. Boiling water: Similar to melting ice, boiling water changes its state from liquid to gas, but the chemical composition of water remains unchanged. Therefore, this is also a physical change.

3. Cutting a piece of paper: When you cut a piece of paper, it changes its shape and size, but the paper’s chemical composition remains the same. This is a physical change.

Now, let’s consider the following example:

4. Rusting of iron: When iron rusts, it reacts with oxygen in the air to form iron oxide, a new substance with different properties. This process is irreversible, and the original iron is no longer present. Hence, rusting of iron is a chemical change.

Therefore, the answer to the question “Which of the following would not be a physical change?” is rusting of iron. It is essential to understand the difference between physical and chemical changes to identify the nature of various processes and reactions in our daily lives.