is the formation of an aqueous solution with water, a physical or chemical property?

Question

physical..... because the substance doesn't change.....

Answer 1

For years I think the answer has been physical for the reason you note but let me give you some food for thought.
What about HCl gas dissolving in water to form a solution?
HCl + H2O ==> H3O^+ + Cl^- and actually the Cl^- is hydrated also. Or how about when NaCl dissolves in water it forms the hydrated Na^+ and hydrated Cl^-.
NaCl(s) + xH2O ==> [Na(H2O)x]^+ + [Cl(H2O)x]^-. Are those reactions? Has the original material been changed? Do you have different substances?
http://chemistry.about.com/od/matter/a/Is-Dissolving-Salt-In-Water-A-Chemical-Change-Or-Physical-Change.htm

Answer 2

Also see this.
http://chemistry.about.com/od/matter/f/Is-Dissolving-Sugar-In-Water-A-Chemical-Or-Physical-Change.htm