Question

which property of physical changes explains why matter is conserved in a physical change?
the arrangements of particles do not change, and the bonds between atoms do not break.
mass, not energy, changes in a physical change.
energy and mass change in a physical change.
the bonds between atoms do not break; it is only the arrangement that changes.

Explanation:

In a physical change, the bonds between atoms do not break. Only the arrangement of particles changes. Matter is conserved because the same atoms and molecules are present before and after the change. For example, when ice melts (a physical change), the water molecules \(H_2O\) are still present. The first option is wrong as the arrangement of particles does change in a physical change (e.g., from solid - ice to liquid - water, the particle arrangement changes). The second option is incorrect because in a physical change, mass is conserved (not changed) and energy can be involved (e.g., heat is absorbed when ice melts). The third option is wrong since mass is conserved in a physical change.

Answer:

The bonds between atoms do not break; it is only the arrangement that changes.