In a chemical reaction, what is produced as a result of a chemical change?

In a chemical reaction, a fundamental characteristic is the transformation of the initial substances known as reactants into entirely new substances through a chemical change. This process involves the breaking of bonds in the reactants and the formation of new bonds in the products, leading to the creation of substances with different chemical properties.

This is distinct from physical changes, which only alter the state or appearance of a substance without changing its chemical identity. While energy may be released or absorbed during a chemical reaction, it is not the primary product of the reaction; rather, energy changes are often associated with the making or breaking of chemical bonds. Therefore, the primary outcome of a chemical change is the formation of new substances, making this the correct choice.