Physical changes and changes of state Original Scenario-Based Practice

Questions

1. 1.

   In an orbital botanical dome, an artisan shapes delicate decorative lanterns using solid prism-wax. When placed near warm climate vents, the solid wax softens and turns into a clear flowing liquid, which later re-solidifies into the exact same wax when returned to a cold alcove. Which statement correctly explains why this transition is classified as a physical change?

   • A) A new chemical substance is synthesized when thermal energy breaks the internal covalent bonds of the wax molecules.
   • B) Any process involving a change in texture and fluidity is considered an irreversible chemical reaction.
   • C) The identity of the constituent particles remains identical, while only the spacing and movement of the particles change.
   • D) The wax temporarily loses its mass during melting and regains it only upon cooling back into a solid.

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