Textbook Question
Label each of the following as either a physical process or a chemical process: (a) crushing a metal can (b) production of urine in the kidneys
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Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement
Brown14th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780134414232
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Table of contents
- Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement140
- Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions192
- Ch.3 - Chemical Reactions and Reaction Stoichiometry172
- Ch.4 - Reactions in Aqueous Solution156
- Ch.5 - Thermochemistry151
- Ch.6 - Electronic Structure of Atoms137
- Ch.7 - Periodic Properties of the Elements127
- Ch.8 - Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding143
- Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories167
- Ch.10 - Gases147
- Ch.11 - Liquids and Intermolecular Forces97
- Ch.12 - Solids and Modern Materials129
- Ch.13 - Properties of Solutions126
- Ch.14 - Chemical Kinetics175
- Ch.15 - Chemical Equilibrium107
- Ch.16 - Acid-Base Equilibria127
- Ch.17 - Additional Aspects of Aqueous Equilibria133
- Ch.18 - Chemistry of the Environment88
- Ch.19 - Chemical Thermodynamics140
- Ch.20 - Electrochemistry137
- Ch.21 - Nuclear Chemistry99
- Ch.22 - Chemistry of the Nonmetals66
- Ch.23 - Transition Metals and Coordination Chemistry69
- Ch.24 - The Chemistry of Life: Organic and Biological Chemistry11
Brown14th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780134414232Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 1, Problem 21c,d,e
Label each of the following as either a physical process or a chemical process: (c) melting a piece of chocolate (d) burning fossil fuel (e) discharging a battery.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the difference between physical and chemical processes: A physical process involves changes in the state or appearance of a substance without altering its chemical composition, while a chemical process involves a change in the chemical composition of the substance.
Identify the process in question: The problem asks about melting a piece of chocolate.
Consider what happens during melting: When chocolate melts, it changes from a solid to a liquid state.
Determine if the chemical composition changes: During melting, the chemical structure of chocolate remains the same; only its physical state changes.
Conclude the type of process: Since melting involves a change in state without altering the chemical composition, it is a physical process.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Physical Process
A physical process involves changes in the state or appearance of a substance without altering its chemical composition. Examples include phase changes like melting, freezing, and boiling, where the substance retains its original chemical identity despite changes in form.
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Physical Properties
Chemical Process
A chemical process involves a transformation that alters the chemical composition of a substance, resulting in the formation of new substances. This includes reactions such as combustion, oxidation, and synthesis, where the original materials undergo a chemical change.
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Melting
Melting is the transition of a substance from a solid to a liquid state due to the absorption of heat. In the case of chocolate, melting occurs when heat breaks the intermolecular forces holding the solid structure together, allowing the chocolate to flow while maintaining its chemical identity.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
(b) Which properties of zinc can you describe from the photo? Are these physical or chemical properties?
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Textbook Question
The radius of an atom of tungsten (W) is about 2.10 Å. (b) How many tungsten atoms would have to be lined up to create a wire of 2.0 mm?
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Textbook Question
A match is lit and held under a cold piece of metal. The following observations are made: (a) The match burns. (b) The metal gets warmer. (c) Water condenses on the metal. (d) Soot (carbon) is deposited on the metal. Which of these occurrences are due to physical changes, and which are due to chemical changes?
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