Classify the following as chemical
or physical changes:
• cutting of trees,
• melting of butter in a pan,
• rusting of almirah,
• boiling of water to form steam,
• passing of electric current,
through water and the water
breaking down into hydrogen
and oxygen gases,
• dissolving common salt in
water,
• making a fruit salad with raw
fruits, and
• burning of paper and wood.
Cutting of trees: Physical change
Melting of butter in a pan: Physical change
Rusting of almirah: Chemical change
Boiling of water to form steam: Physical change
Passing of electric current through water and the water breaking down into hydrogen and oxygen gases: Chemical change
Dissolving common salt in water: Physical change
Making a fruit salad with raw fruits: Physical change
Burning of paper and wood: Chemical change
Explanation:
A physical change alters the state or appearance of a substance without changing its chemical composition. Examples include melting, boiling, cutting, dissolving, and changing the shape of an object.
A chemical change involves a new substance being formed with different chemical properties. This usually occurs when chemical bonds are broken and new ones are formed. Examples include rusting, burning, and electrolysis (the breakdown of water into hydrogen and oxygen through electricity).