The Correct Statement:
In a physical change, the substances in the material stay the same, but the properties of the material may change.
Explanation:
* Substances: The basic building blocks of matter (elements and compounds). Think water (H₂O), sugar (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁), or iron (Fe).
* Physical Change: A change that alters the form or appearance of a substance but doesn't change its chemical composition.
* Properties: Characteristics that describe a substance, such as color, shape, density, melting point, etc.
Examples:
* Melting Ice: Ice (solid water) changes to liquid water. The substance (water, H₂O) remains the same, but the properties (state of matter, shape) change.
* Crushing a Can: A can changes shape, but the metal it's made of (aluminum) doesn't change chemically.
Key Takeaway: Physical changes are temporary and reversible. The original substance can be recovered.
