* New substances are formed: When you burn a marshmallow, the sugar, carbohydrates, and other compounds within it react with oxygen in the air. This reaction produces carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and ash, which are completely different substances from the original marshmallow.
* Irreversible: The process of burning is irreversible. You can't simply "unburn" the marshmallow to get it back to its original state. The chemical bonds within the marshmallow have been broken and reformed, creating new substances.
* Energy is released: Burning is an exothermic reaction, meaning it releases heat and light energy. This energy comes from the breaking and reforming of chemical bonds during the combustion process.
Here's a simplified breakdown:
Marshmallow (sugar, carbohydrates, etc.) + Oxygen (O2) → Carbon Dioxide (CO2) + Water (H2O) + Ash + Heat + Light
The marshmallow's original composition is changed entirely, creating new substances with different properties. This is a clear indication of a chemical change.
