Which of the following is an example of only a physical change?

A. the green color of the statue of liberty
B. the smell of rotten eggs
C. the creation of table salt
D. dry ice becoming vapor

1 answer

The correct answer is D. dry ice becoming vapor. This process is a physical change, specifically sublimation, where dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) transitions directly to vapor without becoming a liquid.

The other options involve chemical changes or properties:

  • A. The green color of the Statue of Liberty is a result of oxidation (a chemical change).
  • B. The smell of rotten eggs is due to the release of hydrogen sulfide gas (a chemical property).
  • C. The creation of table salt involves the chemical combination of sodium and chlorine (a chemical change).