Which of the following characterizes a chemical change?

A chemical change is characterized by the transformation of substances into one or more new substances with distinct properties. This process involves the breaking and forming of chemical bonds, leading to a rearrangement of atoms and resulting in variations in chemical identities. For instance, when iron rusts, it combines with oxygen to form iron oxide, which has different physical and chemical characteristics compared to the original iron and oxygen.

In this context, it is essential to recognize that chemical changes can involve changes in energy, such as heat release or absorption, but the creation of new substances is the defining aspect. This highlights the significant differences in properties—like color, odor, and reactivity—between the products and the original reactants. Therefore, the statement regarding the formation of different substances with new properties accurately describes a chemical change.