When a solid chunk of ice is placed in warm water, is this a physical or chemical change?

When a solid chunk of ice is placed in warm water, is this a physical or chemical change?

• A. It is a chemical change because new substances form.
• B. It is a physical change because it only changes state from solid to liquid without forming a new substance.
• C. It is neither a physical nor chemical change.
• D. It is both a physical and chemical change.

Answer: (B)

Phase changes are physical changes. When ice in warm water is heated, it gains energy and changes state from solid to liquid, but the substance remains water (H2O). No new chemical substances are formed, and the change is reversible by removing heat. This distinguishes it from a chemical change, which would produce substances with new properties.

Phase changes are physical changes. When ice in warm water is heated, it gains energy and changes state from solid to liquid, but the substance remains water (H2O). No new chemical substances are formed, and the change is reversible by removing heat. This distinguishes it from a chemical change, which would produce substances with new properties.