Why is it difficult to classify dissolving as simply a physical or a chemical change?

Question

Some substances keep the same molecular structure when they break down, and others do not.

Some substances release energy when they dissolve, and some absorb energy.

Some substances taste the same after they dissolve, and others do not.

Some substances keep the same color when they dissolve, and others do not.

choose the correct answer

Answer 1

The most accurate answer to why it is difficult to classify dissolving as simply a physical or a chemical change is:

Some substances keep the same molecular structure when they break down, and others do not.

Dissolving can involve both physical and chemical processes depending on the nature of the solute and solvent, which makes it challenging to categorize dissolving strictly as one type of change. In some cases, like the dissolution of salt in water, the salt retains its molecular structure, while in other cases, such as with certain acids or bases, the solute may undergo a chemical change.