Label each of the following as either a physical process or a chemical process: (a) rusting of a metal can, (b) boiling a cup of water, (c) pulverizing an aspirin, (d) digesting a candy bar, (e) exploding of nitroglycerin.

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) Rusting of a metal can: Chemical process (b) Boiling a cup of water: Physical process (c) Pulverizing an aspirin: Physical process (d) Digesting a candy bar: Chemical process (e) Exploding of nitroglycerin: Chemical process

Step by step solution

01

(a) Rusting of a metal can

Rusting of a metal can is the result of a reaction between the metal's surface and oxygen in the presence of moisture. This reaction leads to the formation of a new compound, called iron(III) oxide or rust. Since the chemical composition of the metal changes, this is a chemical process.
02

(b) Boiling a cup of water

Boiling a cup of water involves heating up water until it turns into its gaseous form - water vapor. The process does not involve any change in the chemical composition of water - it just changes from its liquid state to the gaseous state. Thus, this is a physical process.
03

(c) Pulverizing an aspirin

Pulverizing an aspirin involves breaking apart the aspirin tablet into smaller particles or powder. This process does not involve any change in the chemical composition of the aspirin itself. It merely changes the physical form of the substance, from a solid to a powder. Therefore, this is a physical process.
04

(d) Digesting a candy bar

Digesting a candy bar involves a series of chemical reactions that occur within our bodies. The food is broken down into simpler, smaller molecules that can be absorbed and used by the body. The process involves a change in the chemical composition of the candy bar, making it a chemical process.
05

(e) Exploding of nitroglycerin

The explosion of nitroglycerin involves a rapid decomposition of the nitroglycerin molecules, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and pressure. This process involves a change in the chemical composition of nitroglycerin, as it breaks down into simpler molecules. Therefore, this is a chemical process.

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