Which of the following processes would cause the molecules in matter to change into new substances?

• A. Boiling water
• B. Burning wood
• C. Breaking glass
• D. Melting ice

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a chemical change involves the formation of new substances with different chemical properties, while a physical change only affects the state or appearance without changing the substance's identity.
2. Analyze each process: Boiling water changes water from liquid to gas, which is a physical change (phase change) with no new substances formed.
3. Burning wood involves a chemical reaction (combustion) where wood reacts with oxygen to form new substances like carbon dioxide, water vapor, and ash, indicating a chemical change.
4. Breaking glass is a physical change because it only changes the shape and size of the glass pieces without altering the chemical composition.
5. Melting ice is a physical change where solid water (ice) turns into liquid water, with no new substances formed.