Water ice has the chemical formula H2O (s). A block of ice melts to become liquid water, H2O (l). This change can be represented as:

Question

H2O (s) →
H2O (l)

Is this representation a chemical reaction? Why or why not?

Responses

Yes, because the phase of the substance has changed.
Yes, because the phase of the substance has changed.

No, because the reaction has only one product.
No, because the reaction has only one product.

No, because atoms are not rearranged to create new substances.
No, because atoms are not rearranged to create new substances.

Yes, because the reaction has reactants and products.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

No, because atoms are not rearranged to create new substances.

This process, known as a phase change, involves the transition of water from solid (ice) to liquid without altering the chemical composition of the substance. The molecules of H2O remain the same; they just move from a solid state to a liquid state, which does not constitute a chemical reaction.