# Explain why freezing is described as a physical change rather than a chemical change.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.3.1 Changes of state and the particle model · Explain · 4 marks

> Water can be frozen to form ice, which can then be melted back to water.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The substance retains / can restore its original properties when the change is reversed
2. The chemical structure of the substance does not change during freezing
3. Only the physical properties / arrangement of the particles change (e.g. particles become more ordered / closer together)
4. In a chemical change the substance does not restore its original properties when the change is reversed, but in a physical change it does

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](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-freezing-is-described-as-d88d0065) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.