On what basis are chewing food and digesting it different?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Chewing mainly reduces the size of food, whereas digestion forms new, simpler substances.
Chewing breaks food into smaller pieces; its main effect is a change in size and surface area, so it is mainly a physical change. During digestion, enzymes convert complex food substances into new, simpler, absorbable substances, so it is a chemical change. Option B is incorrect because digestion is not merely a reduction in size.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Chewing mainly reduces the size of food, whereas digestion forms new, simpler substances.
Why is this the correct answer?
Chewing breaks food into smaller pieces; its main effect is a change in size and surface area, so it is mainly a physical change. During digestion, enzymes convert complex food substances into new, simpler, absorbable substances, so it is a chemical change. Option B is incorrect because digestion is not merely a reduction in size.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.