Answer
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Step 1:: Understand the definition of a physical change
A physical change is a change in the state or properties of a substance that does not involve a change in its chemical composition.
Step 2:: Examine the process of sugar dissolving in water
When sugar (sucrose) dissolves in water, the water molecules surround the sugar molecules, forming a solution. The sugar molecules become evenly distributed among the water molecules, and as a result, the sugar appears to disappear.
Step 3:: Analyze the properties of the sugar-water solution
The sugar-water solution has new properties compared to pure water or solid sugar. For example, the solution has a sweet taste, which is a property of sugar. Additionally, the solution has a higher boiling point and a lower freezing point than pure water due to the colligative property of freezing point depression and boiling point elevation.
Step 4:: Conclude that sugar dissolving in water is a physical change
Since sugar dissolving in water does not result in a new substance with a different chemical composition, it is a physical change. The sugar molecules remain intact, and the water molecules simply form a new arrangement around the sugar molecules, creating a homogeneous solution with new properties.
Final Answer
Sugar dissolving in water is a physical change because it does not result in a new substance with a different chemical composition. The sugar molecules remain intact, and the water molecules form a new arrangement around the sugar molecules, creating a homogeneous solution with new properties.
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