Question

Select all of the following which are examples of physical change.

change in size and shape of a substance
creation of a new substance
change in phase of a substance
change of composition
expansion or contraction of a substance
change of appearance

Answer 1

Physical changes:
- change in size and shape of a substance (e.g., cutting, grinding)
- change in phase of a substance (e.g., melting, boiling)
- expansion or contraction of a substance (e.g., thermal expansion)
- change of appearance (when no new substance is formed, e.g., dissolving, mixing, or surface changes)

Not physical changes:
- creation of a new substance
- change of composition (these are chemical changes)