Which of the following best describes what happens to a substance during a physical change?

• A. Its atoms rearrange to form a different element.
• B. Its chemical bonds are broken and new substances are formed.
• C. Its physical properties change, but its chemical composition remains the same.
• D. It is always converted into a gas.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a physical change: it is a change that affects the physical properties of a substance without altering its chemical composition.
2. Recall that during a physical change, the substance's atoms do not rearrange to form a different element; the identity of the substance remains the same.
3. Recognize that chemical bonds are not broken during a physical change, so no new substances are formed; this distinguishes physical changes from chemical changes.
4. Note that physical changes can involve changes in state (solid, liquid, gas), shape, or size, but the substance itself remains chemically unchanged.
5. Conclude that the best description of a physical change is that the physical properties change, but the chemical composition remains the same.