* New substances are formed: Potassium chlorate (KClO₃) is a solid compound. When it decomposes, it breaks down into potassium chloride (KCl), which is also a solid, and oxygen gas (O₂). The original compound (KClO₃) is no longer present, and new substances are formed.
* Chemical bonds are broken and reformed: The chemical bonds within potassium chlorate are broken, and new bonds are formed to create potassium chloride and oxygen gas. This rearrangement of atoms indicates a chemical change.
* Irreversible (under normal conditions): The reaction is not easily reversible. You can't easily turn oxygen gas and potassium chloride back into potassium chlorate without a specific chemical process.
In summary: The decomposition of potassium chlorate involves the formation of new substances, the breaking and reforming of chemical bonds, and is irreversible. These are all characteristics of a chemical change.
