What can a chemical change result in?

A chemical change is characterized by the transformation of substances into one or more new substances with different chemical and physical properties. This process involves breaking and forming chemical bonds, which leads to the creation of new materials that have distinct characteristics compared to the original substances involved.

For example, when iron rusts, it reacts with oxygen and water to form iron oxide, which is a completely different substance. This is a clear illustration of a chemical change resulting in the formation of new substances.

On the other hand, changes in phase—such as melting, boiling, or freezing—are considered physical changes, as they do not alter the chemical composition of the substance. Similarly, while physical properties may be altered during a chemical change, the primary aspect that distinguishes a chemical change is the formation of new substances. Lastly, mixing two elements can often lead to a combination that may retain the properties of the original elements unless a chemical reaction occurs, which again involves the formation of new substances. Thus, the most accurate description of a chemical change is its capacity to create new substances.