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Which of the following is a characteristic of a chemical change?
Change in state only
Formation of new substances
Reversibility by physical means
No change in chemical composition
Formation of new substances
A chemical change is a permanent transformation where the chemical identity of a substance is altered, leading to the creation of one or more entirely new substances. This process involves the breaking and forming of chemical bonds, making it typically irreversible by simple physical means.
A chemical change is a permanent transformation where the chemical identity of a substance is altered, leading to the creation of one or more entirely new substances. This process involves the breaking and forming of chemical bonds, making it typically irreversible by simple physical means.
This concept is a foundational principle of the Law of Conservation of Mass proposed by Antoine Lavoisier, often cited as the father of modern chemistry, which states that matter is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
Chemical changes involve internal rearrangement of atoms, resulting in new chemical properties.
Common indicators of chemical change include temperature change, gas evolution, color change, or precipitate formation.
Unlike physical changes, chemical changes usually involve significant energy changes (exothermic or endothermic reactions).
Option A (Change in state) is a hallmark of physical change, such as water turning into ice or steam, where the molecular composition remains H2O.
Option C (Reversibility by physical means) describes physical changes; chemical changes require chemical processes to potentially reverse, though most are effectively permanent.
Option D (No change in chemical composition) is the direct opposite of a chemical change definition.
Examples of chemical changes include rusting of iron, combustion of wood, digestion of food, and photosynthesis.
B is correct тАФ A chemical change is fundamentally defined by the formation of new substances with different chemical properties compared to the reactants.
In RRB exams, always link chemical changes to the chapter on 'Metals and Non-metals', specifically focusing on corrosion (rusting) and redox reactions which are frequently tested.