Question

why is cutting a piece of paper considered a physical change?

cutting the paper causes it to change to a different substance, such as coal

even though the paper is in smaller pieces, each piece is still paper

Explanation:

Define physical change

A physical change alters the form or appearance of a substance without turning it into a different substance.

Analyze the options

• Option 1 suggests cutting paper turns it into a different substance (coal), which describes a chemical change and is factually incorrect.
• Option 2 states that even in smaller pieces, each piece is still paper, which correctly identifies that the chemical identity of the substance remains unchanged.

Answer:

• cutting the paper causes it to change to a different substance, such as coal
• even though the paper is in smaller pieces, each piece is still paper (Correct answer)