Question

. Ripening of fruits

Answer 1

• Chemical change: A change that alters the specific properties of a substance by bringing about a change in its molecular composition, followed by a change in its state, is called a chemical change.
• New substances with entirely new properties are formed.
• A chemical change cannot be easily reversed.
• There is usually a change in weight during a chemical reaction.
• A lot of heat is usually given off or absorbed during a chemical change.

Ripening of fruits is a chemical change because at the time of ripening of the fruit color and texture change and this can not be reversed. Ethylene $\left({\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_4\right)$ is a colorless gas that causes fruit to ripen when it comes into contact with it. Because ethylene combines with oxygen in the air to produce carbon dioxide and water, this happens. Fruit ripening is accelerated with the use of these products.

• The chemical reaction is as follows:

$\underset{\mathrm{Ethylene}}{{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_4\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{3{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Carbon}\mathrm{dioxide}}{2{\mathrm{CO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Water}}{2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)}$

Therefore, the ripening of fruits is a chemical change.