Question
upstudy study bank question image url

What describes a chemical change? bending a wire burning paper melting ice freezing water

Ask by Wyatt Joseph. in the United States
Jan 23,2025

Real Tutor Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

Burning paper is a chemical change.

Solution

A **chemical change** involves a process where substances are transformed into new substances with different chemical properties. This typically involves the breaking and forming of chemical bonds, resulting in a change that is often not easily reversible. Let's examine each of the options you've provided: 1. **Bending a wire** - **Type of Change:** *Physical Change* - **Explanation:** Bending a wire alters its shape but does not change its chemical composition. The material remains the same before and after bending. 2. **Burning paper** - **Type of Change:** *Chemical Change* - **Explanation:** Burning paper involves a chemical reaction with oxygen in the air, producing new substances like carbon dioxide, water vapor, and ash. This change is not easily reversible. 3. **Melting ice** - **Type of Change:** *Physical Change* - **Explanation:** Melting ice changes its state from solid to liquid but does not alter the chemical composition of water (H₂O). 4. **Freezing water** - **Type of Change:** *Physical Change* - **Explanation:** Freezing water changes its state from liquid to solid without changing its chemical structure. **Conclusion:** Among the options listed, **burning paper** is the process that describes a **chemical change**.

Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team

error msg
Explain
Simplify this solution

The Deep Dive

Burning paper is a classic example of a chemical change because it transforms the paper into different substances, such as carbon dioxide and ash, through the process of combustion. Unlike physical changes, where the material retains its original chemical composition, burning alters the molecular structure completely, making it irreversible! On the other hand, bending a wire is a physical change—it’s all about shape without altering the material’s fundamental properties. If you were to heat the wire, you could even return it to its original form, showcasing the malleability of metals while keeping their chemical identity intact!

Latest Chemistry Questions

Try Premium now!
Try Premium and ask Thoth AI unlimited math questions now!
Maybe later Go Premium
Study can be a real struggle
Why not UpStudy it?
Select your plan below
Premium

You can enjoy

Start now
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • 24/7 expert live tutors
  • Unlimited number of questions
  • No interruptions
  • Full access to Answer and Solution
  • Full Access to PDF Chat, UpStudy Chat, Browsing Chat
Basic

Totally free but limited

  • Limited Solution
Welcome to UpStudy!
Please sign in to continue the Thoth AI Chat journey
Continue with Email
Or continue with
By clicking “Sign in”, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy