explain why melting of ice is considered to be a physical change ?give at least two points in support of your answer
The correct answer and explanation is:
The melting of ice is considered a physical change due to the following reasons:
- No Change in Chemical Composition: When ice melts, it changes from a solid state to a liquid state, but the chemical composition of water remains unchanged. The molecular structure of water (H2O) stays the same during the process. In other words, whether water is in its solid form (ice) or liquid form, it is still composed of the same molecules of H2O. This lack of change in the chemical composition makes the process a physical change rather than a chemical one.
- Reversible Process: Physical changes are often reversible, meaning that the substance can return to its original state under the right conditions. When ice melts, it can be re-frozen back into solid ice if the temperature is lowered. This reversibility is a key characteristic of physical changes. In contrast, chemical changes typically result in the formation of new substances that cannot easily revert to their original form without undergoing another chemical reaction.
Additionally, during the melting of ice, energy in the form of heat is absorbed, which is used to break the bonds between the water molecules in the solid state. However, this energy does not alter the fundamental chemical structure of the molecules; it only affects the physical state.
In conclusion, the melting of ice is a physical change because it involves a change in the state of matter without altering the chemical identity of the substance. The process is also reversible, further supporting its classification as a physical change.