Question

Why is it a physical change to freeze water? Only a phase change occurs

Answer 1

Freezing water is considered a physical change because it only involves a phase change from liquid to solid. The actual substance, H2O molecules, remains the same throughout the process. The arrangement and movement of the molecules change as the temperature drops, causing them to slow down and form a crystalline structure in a fixed pattern. Since no new substances are formed, it is classified as a physical change.