Which of the following best describes a physical change?

The correct answer is A change that affects the physical properties without changing the substance..

Application lens: Apply the rule to the specific sample or situation instead of reciting a broad fact. This question asks: Which of the following best describes a physical change. The correct response is A change that affects the physical properties without changing the substance., because changes of state are explained by particle energy and arrangement. In Changes of state, the marking point should connect directly to explain that the material recovers its original properties if a change of state is reversed. If the question includes values, the working must keep the appropriate unit and operation; if it is an explanation, it must name the relevant particle behaviour or energy change. This item belongs to Changes of state and the particle model, so avoid answers that switch to a different quantity, confuse heat with temperature, or describe gas pressure without collisions when collisions are the reason. Checkpoint 187 is distinct because it uses this exact question context and the application lens rather than a generic particle-model sentence.