chemical change

American  

[kem-i-kuhl cheynj] / ˈkɛm ɪ kəl ˈtʃeɪndʒ /

noun

1. Chemistry. a usually irreversible chemical reaction involving the rearrangement of the atoms of one or more substances and a change in their chemical properties or composition, resulting in the formation of at least one new substance.

   The formation of rust on iron is a chemical change.

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Usage

What is a chemical change? A chemical change happens when one chemical substance is transformed into one or more different substances, such as when iron becomes rust.Chemical changes occur through the process of chemical reactions, and the resulting substances have different properties because their atoms and molecules are arranged differently.A chemical change is different from a physical change, which doesn’t rearrange atoms or molecules and produce a completely new substance. Ice melting into water is an example of a physical change.

Etymology

Origin of chemical change

First recorded in 1755–65

Compare meaning

How does chemical-change compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• physical change vs. chemical change

Example Sentences

That said, not many products can be frozen, thawed, and refrozen without any structural or chemical change.

From Salon

So there are chemical changes making you feel better, but that isn't a random person; that is your partner.

From BBC

However, their capacity decreases with each charging cycle due to structural and chemical changes.

From Science Daily

Volcanoes set off a cascade of chemical changes in the environment that make their way to the subterranean rock.

From Los Angeles Times

Heat also leads to chemical changes, such as lowering levels of cortisol in the blood.

From Seattle Times