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Which of these is an example of a chemical change rather than a physical change?

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Correct answer

Wood burning into ash

  1. A Tearing a piece of paper
  2. B Wood burning into ash
  3. C Boiling water into steam
  4. D Ice melting into water

Why this is the answer

WOOD BURNING is a CHEMICAL CHANGE — it produces new substances (ash, gases) and cannot be reversed; the chemical composition changes. ASVAB General Science distinguishes physical vs chemical changes. PHYSICAL CHANGES (no new substance, often reversible): melting ice, boiling water, tearing paper, dissolving salt — the substance changes form/state but remains the same chemically. CHEMICAL CHANGES (new substances form): burning, rusting, cooking, digestion. Burning wood is a classic chemical change (combustion); the others listed are physical changes.
Source: ASVAB General Science — Physical vs Chemical Change

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About this topic: Physics

Physics questions cover motion, forces, Newton's laws, energy, heat, sound, light and basic electricity. Units and simple relationships (speed = distance ÷ time, F = ma) are tested more than calculation. This is one of 15 General Science questions on physics, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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