The process of decomposition of the human body is classified as what type of change?

The process of decomposition of the human body is classified as a chemical change because it involves a series of biochemical reactions that break down the body's complex organic molecules into simpler substances. During decomposition, the structural integrity of the tissues is broken down, and new substances, such as gases like methane and compounds like ammonia, are formed as a result of microbial activity and enzymatic breakdown.

This process can be observed through the visible changes that occur, such as the change in color, the production of odor, and the eventual transformation of soft tissues into simpler organic and inorganic materials. Unlike physical changes, which typically involve changes in state or form without altering the chemical composition, decomposition fundamentally alters the chemical makeup of the biological material involved.

By understanding decomposition as a chemical change, it is easier to recognize the different stages and processes involved, such as putrefaction and fermentation, which are driven primarily by chemical reactions occurring within the body.