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Difficulty: EasyProperties of Matter

A camper uses a small portable propane stove to prepare a meal. Which of the following occurrences during this process is an example of a chemical change?

  1. A
    Liquid propane vaporizing into gas inside the fuel line
  2. Propane gas burning at the burner to produce heat, carbon dioxide, and water vaporAnswer
  3. C
    Solid ice melting into liquid water in a pot on the stove
  4. D
    Liquid water boiling and evaporating into steam

Answer

Propane gas burning at the burner to produce heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapor
Combustion of propane is a chemical change because propane molecules react chemically with atmospheric oxygen to break and reform chemical bonds, creating entirely new substances: carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Distinguish between physical and chemical changes.
A physical change alters only the form or state of a substance without forming new chemical bonds or substances. A chemical change rearranges atoms to create one or more new substances with different properties.
Classification requires identifying whether the molecular composition is preserved or altered.
2
Evaluate each occurrence in the scenario.
Vaporizing propane, melting ice, and boiling water are all phase transitions (physical changes). Burning propane (combustion) reacts propane with oxygen to produce new substances (carbon dioxide and water).
Only combustion results in the formation of new chemical substances.

Key Concept

Distinction between physical changes (phase changes) and chemical changes (reactions)
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Properties of Matter

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