Question

Shredding of paper is a ________ change and burning of paper is a _______ change.​

• A. chemical, chemical
• B. physical, physical
• C. physical, chemical
• D. chemical, physical

Answer 1

The correct option is C physical, chemical

Changes around us can be classified into following two types:

• Physical changes: Occurs when a substance undergoes a change in its physical properties, like shape, size, physical state, etc. No new susbtance is formed in this change.
• Chemical changes: Occurs when a susbstance undergoes a change in its chemical properties. Here, one or more new substances are formed.

When we shred paper into small pieces, just the shape and size of paper changes. Since no new substance is formed, shredding of paper is a physical change.

Whereas, when we burn paper, paper changes to ash and a few gases are released in the process. Since the change is accompanied by formation of new substances, burning of paper is a chemical change.