Question

UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

Which of the following is/are the example/examples of chemical change?

  1. Crystallization of sodium chloride 
  2. Melting of ice 
  3. Souring of milk

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2. 3 only
  3. 3. 1, 2 and 3
  4. 4. None

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2: 3 only

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

  • A chemical change is a process in which one or more substances are altered into one or more new and different substances. In other words, a chemical change is a chemical reaction involving the rearrangement of atoms.

  • While a physical change can often be reversed, a chemical change typically cannot be, except through more chemical reactions. Crystallization of sodium chloride and melting of ice can be reversed, hence these are physical changes. So, point 1 and 2 are not correct.

  • Souring of milk involves change of atoms, and typically cannot be reversed. Which is why it's a chemical change. So, point 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer. 

Subject: Science & Technology | Chemistry

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