What happens during a physical change in matter?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: During a physical change in matter, the original substance undergoes a change in its physical state or appearance without any change in its chemical composition. This means that the original substance can be recovered by physical means, such as melting, freezing, boiling, or condensing. No new substance is formed (option A), the chemical composition remains the same (option B), and energy changes can occur but are not a defining characteristic of a physical change (option D). The ability to recover the original substance by physical means distinguishes physical changes from chemical changes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Density is the measure of the mass of a substance per unit volume and is commonly expressed in kilograms per cubic meter. Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, weight is the force of gravity acting on an object, and volume is the amount of space an object occupies. In this context, density is the correct term for expressing the measure of mass per unit volume, making it the most appropriate choice among the options provided.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Mass is the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of its location in the universe. Weight, on the other hand, is the force of gravity acting on an object and can vary depending on the gravitational pull at different locations. Density and volume can change based on the conditions the substance is in, so they are not constant properties. Therefore, the correct answer is mass as it does not change with changes in location.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Since the atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of its isotopes, the presence of isotopes causes the atomic mass of an element to vary slightly. This variation occurs because different isotopes have different masses due to their varying numbers of neutrons. The atomic mass is affected by the abundance of each isotope, leading to a slight fluctuation in the overall atomic mass of the element. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes do influence the atomic mass. Choice C is incorrect because isotopes have different masses, affecting the overall atomic mass. Choice D is incorrect as isotopes typically do not cause a significant variation in atomic mass, but rather a slight fluctuation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Refraction is the change in direction of light as it moves from one medium to another, such as air to water or glass. This change occurs due to variations in the speed of light in each medium, causing the light rays to bend. When light passes through different mediums, it changes its path, a phenomenon known as refraction. Choice A, Diffraction, refers to the bending of waves around obstacles and the spreading of waves when passing through small openings, not the change in direction of light when moving between mediums. Choice B, Reflection, is the bouncing back of light rays from a surface into the same medium, not the change in direction when transitioning between different mediums. Choice D, Dispersion, involves the separation of light into its constituent colors based on their different wavelengths, not the change in direction of light when passing through different mediums.