Which process is a physical change rather than a chemical change?

• A. Decomposition of remains.
• B. Tearing of paper.
• C. Cremation of remains.
• D. Rusting of iron.

Answer: (B)

A physical change occurs when a material is altered in form or appearance but its chemical identity stays the same. Tearing paper fits this because it changes the size and shape, but the paper’s composition remains the same; no new substances are formed and you could in principle put the pieces back together to recover the original material. The other options involve chemical changes: decomposition of remains breaks matter into new substances, cremation turns material into ash and gases through combustion, and rusting of iron produces iron oxide with a new chemical composition. So tearing paper is the physical change.