Ethanol dissolving in water is an example of a
A) physical change, because each molecule retains its structural integral and no bonds are broken.
B) chemical change because all bonds to ethanol are broken.
C) chemical change because new bonds form between the hydrogens.
D) physical change because ethanol only loses one hydrogen to water.
E) chemical change because ethanol has a charge in solution.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When ethanol dissolves in water, it is a physical change because each molecule of ethanol retains its structural integrity and no bonds are broken. The hydrogen bonds between ethanol and water molecules are only intermolecular forces, not chemical bonds, so no chemical change occurs.

Ethanol Dissolving in Water Is an Example of a