Tearing of paper in small pieces is an example of a physical change. Let's understand why this is the correct answer.

Physical Change:
A physical change is a change in the physical properties of a substance without any alteration in its chemical composition. In other words, the substance remains the same chemically but undergoes a change in its physical form. Tearing of paper is a perfect example of a physical change because it involves a change in the physical shape and size of the paper without any alteration in its chemical composition.

Explanation:

1. Definition of a physical change:
- A physical change is a change in the physical properties of a substance without any alteration in its chemical composition.
- It involves a change in the physical form of a substance while the substance itself remains the same chemically.

2. Tearing of paper:
- When you tear a piece of paper into small pieces, the paper undergoes a change in its physical form.
- The paper is physically broken into smaller fragments without undergoing any chemical reactions.
- The composition of the paper remains the same before and after tearing.

3. Physical properties of paper:
- Paper is made up of cellulose fibers that are held together by weak intermolecular forces.
- When you tear the paper, these intermolecular forces are disrupted, causing the paper to separate into smaller pieces.
- The tearing process does not involve any chemical reactions or the formation of new substances.

4. Reversibility of the change:
- A physical change is often reversible, meaning the substance can be brought back to its original form.
- Similarly, if we collect all the torn pieces of paper and carefully align and press them together, we can restore the paper to its original state.
- This demonstrates that the tearing of paper is a physical change because it can be reversed without any alteration in its chemical composition.

In conclusion, tearing of paper in small pieces is an example of a physical change because it involves a change in the physical form of the paper without any alteration in its chemical composition.