Question

why is cutting a piece of paper considered a physical change? even though the paper is in smaller pieces, each piece is still paper cutting the paper causes it to change to a different substance, such as coal

Explanation:

Physical changes do not change the chemical composition of a substance. When paper is cut, its chemical makeup remains the same; it's just divided into smaller pieces. It doesn't turn into a different substance like coal.

Answer:

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