What are 2 examples of physical change?
Physical changes are alterations in the form or appearance of a substance without changing its chemical composition. These changes are usually reversible and do not involve the creation or destruction of new substances. Here are two common examples of physical changes:
1. Melting Ice
When ice is heated, it undergoes a physical change known as melting. The solid ice absorbs heat energy, causing its molecules to vibrate more rapidly. As a result, the intermolecular forces holding the ice together weaken, and the ice transitions into a liquid state, which is water. This process is reversible; if the water is cooled, it will freeze back into ice. Melting ice is a classic example of a physical change because the chemical composition of water remains the same—H2O—before and after the transformation.
2. Cutting Paper
Another example of a physical change is cutting paper. When a piece of paper is cut, it is merely divided into smaller pieces without altering its chemical composition. The fibers and molecules that make up the paper remain intact; they are simply rearranged. This process is also reversible; if the pieces of paper are reassembled, the original piece of paper is restored. Cutting paper is a clear illustration of a physical change, as the substance’s chemical properties remain unchanged.
