Which of the following describes a physical change?

A physical change refers to a transformation in the form or appearance of matter without changing its chemical composition. When matter changes in a way that no new substance is formed, it is indicative of a physical change. This can include alterations in state, size, shape, or texture.

For instance, when ice melts into water, it retains its chemical composition—H2O—despite changing from solid to liquid. Similarly, the process of dissolving salt in water is another example of a physical change, as the salt still exists as the same compound even when it's integrated into the solution.

The other options describe different phenomena. The option that involves a chemical reaction producing a new substance clearly pertains to a chemical change, not a physical change. Absorption or release of energy can occur in both physical and chemical changes, but it does not define a physical change exclusively. Finally, while undergoing a phase change (like melting or boiling) is an example of a physical change, it does not encompass the full definition of physical changes, as not every physical change involves a change of state. Therefore, the best description of a physical change is when matter changes, but no new substance is formed.