Question

Which of the following is a physical change?
A. Solubility in water
B. Combustibility
C. Aerial oxidation
D. Reaction with water

Answer 1

Hint: Try to recall changes which do not change chemical composition and only changes physical appearance like tearing of paper etc.

Complete Step to Step Solution:
We know that, in matter, there are two types of changes namely physical change and chemical change. Physical changes are defined as “changes that occur when substances are melted frozen, boiled, condensed, sublimated or deposited and affects physical property of matter” whereas chemical changes are those changes which involve formation or breakage of chemical bonds. Chemical reactions are also known as chemical changes. Thus, by following the above definitions, we can easily figure out the physical change from the above given options.
On the basis of definitions mentioned above, we can easily say that solubility in water is a physical change which describes how easily a substance dissolves in water. So, option A is an example of physical change.
By definition of chemical change, we can easily say that combustibility is a chemical property as it involves the combustion of a material with atmospheric oxygen which is a chemical reaction. So, option B is an example of chemical change.
Those chemical reactions in which substances are oxidized by air or by oxygen present air are known as aerial oxidation. So, option C is also an example of chemical change.
We know that reactions with water are also chemical reactions. So, option D is also an example of chemical change.
Therefore, on the basis of the above arguments we can say that option A is the correct answer.

Note: Just by remembering the fact that reactions which involve formation or breakage of chemical bonds are chemical changes, we can easily figure out physical or chemical change.