Classify each change as physical or chemical. a. Natural gas burns in a stove. b. The liquid propane in a gas grill evaporates because the valve was left open. c. The liquid propane in a gas grill burns in a flame. d. A bicycle frame rusts on repeated exposure to air and water.
Ch.1 - Matter, Measurement & Problem Solving
Chapter 1, Problem 50
Based on the molecular diagram, classify each change as physical or chemical.
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Identify the initial and final states of the molecules in the diagram.
Determine if there is a change in the chemical composition of the molecules. A change in chemical composition indicates a chemical change.
Look for changes in the arrangement of atoms within the molecules. If atoms are rearranged to form new substances, it is a chemical change.
Check for changes in the physical state (solid, liquid, gas) without altering the chemical identity. Such changes are physical changes.
Classify each change based on your observations: if the chemical identity remains the same, it is a physical change; if new substances are formed, it is a chemical change.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Physical Change
A physical change involves a transformation that does not alter the chemical composition of a substance. Examples include changes in state (like melting or boiling), shape, or size. During a physical change, the molecules remain intact, and no new substances are formed.
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Chemical Change
A chemical change results in the formation of one or more new substances with different chemical properties. This process often involves a reaction where bonds between atoms are broken and formed, such as in combustion or rusting. Indicators of a chemical change can include color change, gas production, or temperature change.
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Molecular Diagram Interpretation
Interpreting a molecular diagram requires understanding the arrangement and types of atoms involved in a substance. This visual representation helps identify whether changes in the diagram indicate a physical alteration (like a change in state) or a chemical reaction (where new bonds form). Recognizing these changes is crucial for classifying them accurately.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
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Textbook Question
Classify each change as physical or chemical. a. Sugar burns when heated in a skillet. b. Sugar dissolves in water. c. A platinum ring becomes dull because of continued abrasion. d. A silver surface becomes tarnished after exposure to air for a long period of time.
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Textbook Question
Based on the molecular diagram, classify each change as physical or chemical.
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Textbook Question
Convert each temperature. a. 32 °F to °C (temperature at which water freezes) b. 77 K to °F (temperature of liquid nitrogen) c. -109 °F to °C (temperature of dry ice) d. 98.6 °F to K (body temperature)
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Textbook Question
The warmest temperature ever measured in the United States is 134 °F, recorded on July 10, 1913, in Death Valley, California. Convert that temperature to °C and K.
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