Q. 3.80 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Identify each of the following as a physical or chemical change: $(3,2)$

a. Aspirin tablets are broken in half.

b. Carrots are grated for use in a salad.

c. Mall undergoes fermentation to make beer.

d. A copper pipe reacts with air and turns green.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(part a) Breaking an aspirin tablet is a physical change because no new compounds are formed.

(part b) Carrot grating is a physical transformation. There are no new compounds formed.

(part c) Malt ferments and becomes a new substance. As a result, a chemical change occurs.

(part d) The reaction of a copper wire with air As a result, it is classified as a chemical property.

Step 1: Given information (Part a)

Aspirin tablets are broken in half. 

Step 2:Explanation (Part a)

Aspirin tablet breaking is a physical change because no new compounds are formed during this process.

Step 3:Given information (Part b)

Carrots are grated for use in a salad. 

Step 4: Explanation (Part b)

Carrot grating is a physical change. Only the size of the carrot changes during this process, and no new substance is formed.

Step 5: Given information (Part c)

Mall undergoes fermentation to make beer. 

Step 6: Explanation (Part c)

Malt ferments and transforms into a new substance. We won't be able to get the malt again. As a result, it is a chemical change.

Step 7: Given information (Part d)

A copper pipe reacts with air and turns green. 

Step 8: Explanation (Part d)

When a copper wire reacts with air, it produces a green substance on its surface. As a result, it is a chemical property.