Question

The germination of a seed is
A. A physical, reversible change in which energy is produced
B. A fast, chemical reaction in which energy is released
C. A slow, irreversible change, desired, chemical change
D. A fast, irreversible, undesirable, chemical change

Answer 1

Hint: We have to germinate seeds involving certain changes. The change that happens in seedling germination includes fast reaction, slow reactions, desirable changes, undesirable changes etc. We have to know descriptions of physical and chemical changes, reversible change and irreversible changes, desirable and undesirable changes to predict the changes that happen in seed germination.

Complete answer:
Let us now describe some of the changes.
Reversible change: Any changes that would be reversed or a temporary transformation is called reversible changes. The reactions that are alterable are known as reversible reactions. In this reaction, one substance is altered into another form however a new compound is not made. Processes like melting, condensation, dissolution are reversible changes.
Now we discuss about the concept of irreversible change as,
Irreversible change: Irreversible changes are long-lasting changes. Reactants react to yield a new compound and cannot be acquired again. Heating, powdering are some of the processes that lead to irreversible changes. Cooking of raw egg which can’t be transformed back to its original form is an example of irreversible change.
Now we discuss about how the physical and chemical changes are differ from each other as,
We can say physical changes are changes in the state of matter without an associated change in composition and a new substance is produced that contain various properties and composition from the original material is a chemical change. Physical changes are changeable and chemical changes are not reversible.
Let’s we discuss about slow changes and fast changes as,
Some changes occur over years, months (or) days such changes are known as slow changes. Changes which take place within a short period of time are called fast changes.
Desirable and undesirable changes:
Changes that are beneficial (or) desirable to humankind/nature are known as desirable changes. Changes which are harmful (or) not desirable are called undesirable changes.
We have to remember that the seed germination is a slow process because it takes some days to months for germination of seedlings. It is also irreversible because the grown plant from seedling could not be reverted back again.
Seedling growth is a desirable change because it is not harmful to nature and is useful to humans. It is also a chemical change because it involves actions of hormones and enzymes.
Therefore, the option (C) is correct.

Note: We have to remember that some of the examples of fast reactions are curdling of milk, matchstick burning. Some of the examples of slow reactions are fruits ripening, iron rusting. River flooding, factory burning are examples of undesirable change. Curd formation from milk, manure formation from dead plants and cow dung are examples of desirable change.