Which of the following could cause only a physical change in a hamburger patty Cooking it Eating it Cutting it in half Letting it rot

Which of the following could cause only a physical change in a hamburger patty Cooking it Eating it Cutting it in half Letting it rot

The correct answer and explanation is:

Correct Answer: Cutting it in half

Explanation:

A physical change is a change in the form or appearance of a substance without altering its chemical composition. In contrast, a chemical change results in the formation of new substances with different properties.

Let’s evaluate each option:

1. Cooking it – This is a chemical change. When you cook a hamburger patty, heat causes the proteins in the meat to denature and undergo the Maillard reaction, which changes its flavor, texture, and color. New substances are formed during cooking, making this a chemical change.
2. Eating it – This is also a chemical change. In the mouth and digestive system, enzymes and acids chemically break down the hamburger into new molecules that the body can absorb. Digestion alters the original substance at the molecular level.
3. Cutting it in half – This is a physical change. When you cut the hamburger patty, you change its size or shape, but you do not change its chemical makeup. No new substance is formed; it’s still the same patty, just in two pieces. This makes it a clear example of a physical change.
4. Letting it rot – This is a chemical change. When a hamburger patty rots, bacteria and fungi decompose it. This decomposition breaks down the original substances into new compounds (like gases and acids), resulting in foul smells and visible decay. Chemical bonds are broken and new ones are formed.

Conclusion:

Cutting it in half is the only option that represents a physical change, as it does not alter the chemical structure of the hamburger patty. All the other choices involve chemical reactions that produce new substances.