Which of the following are not chemical changes ? 1. Tempering of iron

Which of the following are not chemical changes ?
1. Tempering of iron
2. Conversion of iron piece into an electro-magnet by passing the current around the iron
3. Melting of iron
4. Rusting of iron
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 and 2 only
3 and 4 only
1, 2 and 3
1, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2014
A chemical change involves the formation of new substances with different chemical properties. A physical change alters the form or appearance of a substance but not its chemical composition.
1. Tempering of iron: This is a heat treatment process that changes the microstructure and properties (like hardness and toughness) of iron alloys (steel). While it involves heat, it primarily changes the physical state and crystalline structure, not the fundamental chemical composition of the iron or steel. It is considered a physical process.
2. Conversion of iron piece into an electro-magnet by passing the current: When electric current passes around an iron core, it becomes a temporary magnet. This is a physical phenomenon (magnetism) induced by the electric current. The iron itself does not undergo a chemical transformation.
3. Melting of iron: This is a change of state from solid to liquid. The chemical composition of iron remains Fe. This is a physical change.
4. Rusting of iron: Iron reacts with oxygen and water to form hydrated iron(III) oxides (rust, typically Fe2O3.nH2O). This is a chemical reaction that produces new substances with different chemical properties than iron. This is a chemical change.
The question asks which are *not* chemical changes. These are the physical changes: 1 (Tempering), 2 (Electromagnetism), and 3 (Melting).
Identify the difference between chemical changes (formation of new substances) and physical changes (change in form, state, or appearance without changing chemical composition).
Examples of chemical changes include burning, rusting, digestion, and cooking. Examples of physical changes include melting, freezing, boiling, cutting, and bending. Magnetism is a physical property. Heat treatments like tempering involve physical changes in material properties.
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