Which of the following is a sign a chemical reaction has occurred?

A blue liquid is mixed into a yellow liquid, and the mixture turns green.
A piece of metal is placed in water and produces sparks and gas.
A liquid is heated on a hotplate, and bubbles form.
A solid powder is mixed into a liquid and disappears.

1 answer

All of the scenarios you provided could be signs of a chemical reaction. However, some are more definitive than others. Here’s an evaluation of each:

  1. A blue liquid is mixed into a yellow liquid, and the mixture turns green.

    • This indicates a possible chemical reaction due to the change in color, suggesting new substances may have formed.
  2. A piece of metal is placed in water and produces sparks and gas.

    • The production of sparks and gas indicates a vigorous reaction, which is a strong sign that a chemical change is occurring.
  3. A liquid is heated on a hotplate, and bubbles form.

    • Bubbles can indicate the formation of gas, which can occur in both chemical and physical processes (like boiling). However, if the gas is a product of a chemical reaction, this would be a sign.
  4. A solid powder is mixed into a liquid and disappears.

    • If the solid completely dissolves, this could indicate a physical change (if it dissolves in a solvent) or a chemical reaction (if it's a reaction product).

Among these options, the second scenario (a piece of metal placed in water producing sparks and gas) is the most clear and indicative of a chemical reaction.