1. 5 Indicators of a Chemical Change
From this lesson you will be able to determine if a chemical change has taken place (IPC 8A & Chem 4A).

2. What is a Chemical Change?
It is a change that occurs when a substance changes composition by forming one or more new substances.
The new substances/products that are formed have a different chemical formula from the original substances/reactants at the beginning.

3. 5 Indicators of a Chemical Change
Take a look at the video of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) reacting with Magnesium (Mg) strips. What do you observe that indicates a chemical change is taking place?

4. Production of Gas is an indicator of a Chemical Change.
What did you observe?
Bubbles
Mg + 2HCl MgCl2 + H2
Production of Gas is an indicator of a Chemical Change.
This reaction is very similar to the reactions that take place in the digestive track when Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) in your stomach aids in the digestive process. Digestion is a chemical change.

5. 5 Indicators of a Chemical Change
Take a look at the video of a Magnesium (Mg) strip reacting with Oxygen (O2) while burning. What do you observe that indicates a chemical change is taking place?

6. Formation of Light is an indicator of a Chemical Change.
What did you observe?
Light
2Mg + O MgO
Formation of Light is an indicator of a Chemical Change.
This is the same reaction that is used to make fireworks and sparklers.

7. 5 Indicators of a Chemical Change
Take a look at the video of two clear liquids, Lead II Nitrate Pb(NO3)2 reacting with Potassium Iodide (KI). What do you observe that indicates a chemical change is taking place?

8. Yellow Color Change and a Precipitate (insoluble solid)
What did you observe?
Yellow Color Change and a
Precipitate (insoluble solid)
Pb(NO3)2 + 2KI PbI2 + 2KNO3
Permanent Color Change and Formation of a Precipitate are two indicators of a Chemical Change.
Reactions like these are used in water treatment plants to form precipitates that help remove calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese ions from the water.

9. 5 Indicators of a Chemical Change
Take a look at the video of two solids, Barium Hydroxide Octahydrate reacting with Ammonium Thiocyanate. What do you observe that indicates a chemical change is taking place?

10. What did you observe?
A Temperature Change
Ba(OH)2.8H2O + 2 NH4SCN --> Ba(SCN) H2O + 2 NH3
Temperature Change is an indicator of a Chemical Change.
Endothermic Reactions = absorb heat and feel cold
Exothermic Reactions = release heat and feel hot

11. The 5 Indicators of a Chemical Change are…
Let’s Review
The 5 Indicators of a Chemical Change are…
1. Production of Gas
2. Production of Light
3. Permanent Color Change
4. Formation of a Precipitate
5. Temperature Change

12. Test Your Knowledge Go to the Live Chem website below:
While in the Virtual Chemistry Lab, perform the following 5 experiments and record whether they demonstrate a chemical change. Then choose 5 other experimental mixes of your own and record whether they demonstrate a chemical change. Use the 5 Indicators of a Chemical Change to support your findings for all 10 experiments conducted.
Click on the next slide for the Lab Write-up.

13. 5 Indicators of a Chemical Change Lab
Purpose: The purpose of this lab experiment is to determine whether a chemical change has taken place using the 5 indicators of a chemical change.
Safety Equipment Necessary: If you were performing these experiments in the laboratory, what safety measures would you need to take to ensure your safety and the safety of others around you?
Data Table:
Salt from the Top +
Reagent from the Bottom
Is there a chemical change?
Evidence to support your findings:
Cu +2
Na2SO3
Fe +3
Mg Turnings
Zinc Granules
Ti +3
AgNO3 KI