Which type of change is responsible for iron rusting?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of each type of change: Nuclear change involves changes in the nucleus of an atom, Physical change involves changes in the physical state or appearance without altering the chemical composition, Chemical change involves the formation of new substances with different properties, and Phase change is a type of physical change involving changes between solid, liquid, and gas states.
2. Recognize that rusting of iron involves iron reacting with oxygen and water to form a new compound called iron oxide (rust), which has different chemical properties than elemental iron.
3. Since rusting results in the formation of a new substance, it cannot be classified as a physical or phase change, which do not produce new substances.
4. Nuclear changes involve changes in atomic nuclei and are unrelated to rusting, which is a chemical reaction involving electrons and bonds.
5. Therefore, conclude that rusting is a chemical change because it involves a chemical reaction that produces a new compound.