Complete the sentence.
Mud drying out in the sun is a ().
physical change chemical change
Chemical changes and physical changes are two ways matter can change.
In a chemical change, the type of matter changes.
Burning a piece of paper is a chemical change. The paper changes into ash and smoke.
In a physical change, the type of matter stays the same.
Cutting a piece of paper is a physical change. The cut pieces are still made of paper.
Ice melting is also a physical change. When ice melts, it changes from a solid to a liquid. But both ice and liquid water are made of the same type of matter: water! This kind of change is called a change of state.
Mud drying out in the sun is a physical change. The sun heats the water in the mud. The water changes state. It evaporates and becomes gas in the air.
Dry dirt is left behind. But the dirt and the water are still made of the same types of matter as before.