Which statement describes a chemical change?

• A. Changes appearance but no new substance
• B. Creates a new substance
• C. Changes state of matter
• D. Reverses color without chemical change

Answer: (B)

A chemical change creates something different from what you started with, meaning a new substance with new properties is formed. The statement that describes creating a new substance is the best answer because it signals that the material has undergone a change in composition, not just a change in appearance. For example, rusting iron produces iron oxide, and burning wood turns it into ash and gas—these are new substances with distinct properties from the original material. The other statements describe physical changes: changing appearance without making a new substance, changing state of matter like melting or boiling, or a color change that doesn’t involve forming new chemicals.