Which of the following statements is true when a substance changes color during a process?

• A. Color changes are never associated with chemical changes.
• B. A color change always indicates a chemical change.
• C. A color change only occurs during physical changes.
• D. A color change may indicate a chemical change, but it can also result from a physical change.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that color changes can occur due to both physical and chemical changes. It is important to recognize the difference between these two types of changes.
2. Recall that a chemical change involves the formation of new substances with different chemical properties, often accompanied by observable signs such as color change, gas production, or precipitate formation.
3. Recognize that a physical change affects the form or appearance of a substance without changing its chemical identity. Examples include changes in state (solid, liquid, gas) or changes in concentration, which can also cause color changes.
4. Analyze the given statements: the first and third statements are incorrect because color changes can be associated with both chemical and physical changes; the second statement is too absolute because color change does not always mean a chemical change.
5. Conclude that the correct understanding is that a color change may indicate a chemical change, but it can also result from a physical change, making this the true statement.