All of the options provided can indicate a chemical change, but some are more reliable than others.
-
Monitor for the release of a gas: This is a common indication of a chemical change, especially if gas was not present before the reaction.
-
Observe a color change: A color change often signifies that new substances have formed, which is a reliable indicator of a chemical change.
-
Conduct a test to determine the chemical makeup of the molecules: This is more a method of analysis rather than direct observation, and typically required post-reaction to confirm a change.
-
Test for the release of heat: This can indicate a chemical change as well, but similar to gas release, it can also depend on environmental conditions and the specific reaction involved.
Among these options, observe a color change would generally be regarded as a reliable and immediate way to conclude that a chemical change has occurred when two substances come into contact.