3) Chopping firewood

Question

Physical change

Chemical change

Answer 1

Chopping firewood primarily involves a physical change. Here's why:

• Physical Change: When wood is chopped, its physical form changes (from whole logs to smaller pieces), but its chemical composition remains the same. The wood retains its properties and characteristics, such as its ability to burn, even after being cut.

• Chemical Change: A chemical change would involve a transformation where the chemical structure of the material is altered. This happens when wood burns (combustion), producing ash, gases, and other byproducts. In that case, the wood undergoes a chemical change as it transforms into new substances.

In summary, chopping firewood is a physical change, while burning firewood is a chemical change.