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What occurs during a physical change?

  1. The identity of the substance changes

  2. New substances are created

  3. The identity of the substance remains unchanged

  4. Energy is released

The correct answer is: The identity of the substance remains unchanged

During a physical change, the identity of the substance remains unchanged. This means that while the form or appearance of the substance may alter, its chemical composition does not. For example, when ice melts into water, it transforms from solid to liquid; however, it is still H2O in both states. Thus, the basic structure and properties of the substance remain intact, and no new substances are formed in the process. In contrast, during a chemical change, the identity of the substance does change, leading to the formation of new substances with different chemical properties. Energy changes, such as absorption or release, can occur during both physical and chemical changes but are not definitive characteristics of a physical change alone.