# Explain why changes of state, such as melting and boiling, are described as physical changes rather than chemical changes.

> Eduqas GCSE Chemistry — 2.1 Bonding, structure and properties · Explain · 4 marks

> Water melts at 0 °C and boils at 100 °C. These temperatures depend on the strength of the forces between the particles in the substance.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. In a physical change the chemical composition of the substance remains the same / no new substance is formed
2. A physical change involves a change in the forces between particles / involves breaking or overcoming forces between particles
3. The stronger the forces between the particles, the more energy is needed to change state / the higher the melting point or boiling point
4. A chemical change requires a chemical reaction and produces substances with a different chemical composition to the reactants / in a change of state no chemical reaction takes place

## Key terms

- [physical change](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/physical-change)
- [chemical change](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/chemical-change)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-changes-of-state-such-70c0ffa3) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.