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What is an example of a physical change?

  1. Burning a log

  2. Melting a bar of metal

  3. Changing the temperature of a river

  4. Evaporating a drop of water

The correct answer is: Melting a bar of metal

An example of a physical change is a change in the physical properties of a substance without altering its chemical composition. Burning a log (choice A) involves a chemical reaction, as the log is being transformed into ash. Changing the temperature of a river (choice C) is a form of energy transfer, but does not change the substance itself. Evaporating a drop of water (choice D) is also a form of energy transfer. Therefore, melting a bar of metal (choice B) is the best example of a physical change, as the solid metal is simply changing into liquid form without any alteration of its chemical composition.