Which can occur during a physical change? (Select all that apply.)

Question

The shape of a piece of matter can change.

The amount of energy within a substance can change.

The atoms of the substance can permanently change.

The chemical reaction produces a new substance.

Answer 1

During a physical change, the following can occur:

1. The shape of a piece of matter can change. - This is true; physical changes often involve changes in shape, size, or state without altering the substance itself.

2. The amount of energy within a substance can change. - This can also be true in some physical changes, such as when heat is added or removed (e.g., melting or freezing).

The other two options are not applicable to physical changes:

3. The atoms of the substance can permanently change. - This is false; physical changes do not involve changes to the chemical structure or the atoms themselves.

4. The chemical reaction produces a new substance. - This is false; a chemical reaction involves a chemical change, which produces new substances and permanently alters the original ones.

So, the selections that apply to physical change are:

• The shape of a piece of matter can change.
• The amount of energy within a substance can change.