Does C(small 12)H(small 22)O(small 11) + 120(small 2) -> 12CO(small 2) + 11H(small 2)O show a physical change

1 answer

The reaction you've written involves the chemical formula \( C_{12}H_{22}O_{11} \), which is sucrose (common table sugar). The equation shows the complete combustion of sucrose, producing carbon dioxide (\( CO_2 \)) and water (\( H_2O \)).

Chemical Change vs. Physical Change:

  • Physical changes involve changes in physical properties (such as state, shape, or size) without altering the chemical composition of the substance. Examples include melting, freezing, and dissolving.

  • Chemical changes involve the transformation of substances into new substances through chemical reactions, accompanied by a change in chemical properties. The combustion of sucrose is a chemical reaction where the original substance (sucrose) is transformed into new substances (carbon dioxide and water).

Since the decomposition of sucrose into different products (\( CO_2 \) and \( H_2O \)) involves breaking and forming chemical bonds, this process represents a chemical change, not a physical one.