What does the release or absorption of energy indicate?

The release or absorption of energy typically indicates a chemical change. This is because chemical reactions often involve changes in energy as substances are transformed into new substances. However, in some cases, physical changes can also involve energy changes (such as melting or boiling), but these do not result in the formation of new substances. Therefore, if you are specifically looking for a change that involves the formation of new substances alongside energy change, the correct response would be chemical change. If energy change occurs without new substances being formed, it could be a physical change. In a broader sense, both types of changes can involve energy changes, but the more definitive indication of a chemical change is often the release or absorption of energy.