What describes a physical change?

A physical change is characterized by alterations that affect only the form or appearance of a substance without changing its chemical composition. When a physical change occurs, the molecules remain chemically intact and retain their original properties, even if they undergo transformations such as changes in state (e.g., solid to liquid), shape, or size. Examples include melting ice, boiling water, or dissolving sugar in water. In such cases, the substances can return to their original forms without any chemical reaction taking place.

This is distinct from other descriptions provided in the question. A change that alters the chemical composition would indicate a chemical change rather than a physical change. Similarly, while many physical changes can involve a temperature shift, not all do, as some changes occur at constant temperature. Finally, the formation of a new substance is definitive of a chemical change, whereas a physical change does not result in new chemical entities.