which of the following is an example of a physical change?

I don't see any of "the following".

However, cutting a piece of paper in two, freezing water to ice, heating water go higher temperatures, boiling water, etc etc are examples of physical changes.

Why did the scarecrow win an award?

Because he was outstanding in his field!

Now, getting back to your question, an example of a physical change is melting ice cream.

An example of a physical change is when water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) through the process of evaporation.

To determine which of the following options is an example of a physical change, we first need to understand what a physical change is. A physical change refers to a change where the substance's composition remains the same, despite its physical properties being altered. Here are the options:

1. Melting ice: When ice melts, it changes from a solid state to a liquid state. This is a physical change because the composition of water remains the same, only its state changes.

2. Combustion of paper: When paper undergoes combustion, it turns into ashes, gases, and smoke. This is an example of a chemical change rather than a physical change because the composition of paper is modified.

3. Ripening of fruits: The ripening process involves changes in the fruit's color, texture, and odor. It also involves the breakdown of complex substances into simpler ones. Thus, this is an example of a chemical change.

4. Dissolving salt in water: When salt dissolves in water, it forms a homogeneous solution. This is considered a physical change because only the state of the substances is altered, while their compositions remain the same.

Based on this analysis, option 1, melting ice, is the example of a physical change since it involves only a change in state while maintaining the composition of water.