Question

introduction to chemistry online practice. complete this assessment to review what youve learned. it will not count toward your grade. a student in a lab holds an iron nail over an open flame, and no reaction occurs. the nail is then filed, creating small pieces of iron shavings. these pieces burn brightly when placed over an open flame. which statement accurately identifies one of the changes that occurs as a physical or chemical change? (1 point) burning the iron filings is a physical change because the composition of the material does not change but the general appearance of the iron does change. burning the iron filings is a chemical change because the composition of the material does not change but the general appearance of the iron does change. filing the nail is a physical change because the composition of the material does not change but the general appearance of the iron does change. filing the nail is a chemical change because the composition of the material does not change but the general appearance of the iron does change.

Explanation:

Physical changes do not alter the chemical composition of a substance, only its physical appearance. Filing the nail creates iron shavings but the iron remains iron chemically. Burning is a chemical change as it involves a reaction with oxygen to form new substances. So, filing the nail is a physical change because the material's composition stays the same while its appearance changes.

Answer:

Filing the nail is a physical change because the composition of the material does not change but the general appearance of the iron does change.