Freezing water is a physical change, NOT a chemical one.
Water molecules remain as water molecules, still with two hydrogen atoms and a singular oxygen atom. Therefore, no chemical changes occur during its frozen/freezing state.
Instead, the water molecules arrange in a regular manner and adopt what is known as a crystalline structure.
Why is Freezing Water A Physical Change and How Does It Occur?
Frozen water undergoes a physical change because the ice still has the same molecular components as when it was in a liquid state.
The only change that occurred is a physical change of state. Like melted butter, freezing water only changes state, but holds the same composition as its original form.
Water is still water, just in a solid (frozen) form. The water in a solid form has expanded its shape and that is because it has changed states, but once again contains the same composition just like how butter expands in a liquid state.
Lastly, this change is can be easily reversed as we can heat the ice for it to turn back into a liquid form. Yes, that is correct! most physical changes are reversible as they are generally caused by temperature, motion, or pressure.
ALSO SEE: Is Cooking an Egg a Chemical Change?
The Freezing of Water Is A Chemical Change, True Or False
False.
Solidified water (Ice) undergoes a physical change, not a chemical one.
In chemical changes, the substance cannot be altered into its original state because it already has a new identity and composition.
In the case of freezing water, the particles of the water did not change their composition. This is the reason why the ice can be returned to its original state.
Once it melts due to heat, it becomes liquid water again.
Is Water Evaporating A Chemical Change?
Evaporation of water and freezing of ice are physical changes because water can be brought back to its original (liquid) form by:
Cooling down the vapors to bring back their state to liquid.
Heating the ice to bring back the water.