Which type of change occurs when ice melts?

• A. Biological change
• B. Nuclear change
• C. Chemical change
• D. Physical change

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between physical and chemical changes: Physical changes affect the form of a substance but not its chemical composition, while chemical changes result in the formation of new substances.
2. Recognize that melting ice involves a change from solid water (ice) to liquid water, which is a change in state or phase.
3. Note that during melting, the molecular structure of H2O remains the same; only the arrangement and energy of the molecules change.
4. Since no new substances are formed and the chemical identity of water remains unchanged, this process is not a chemical change.
5. Conclude that melting ice is a physical change because it involves a change in physical state without altering the chemical composition.