* Dissolution and Ionization: When silver nitrate dissolves in water, it undergoes dissociation, breaking apart into silver ions (Ag⁺) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻). This process is a chemical change because the chemical composition of the silver nitrate changes, and new chemical species (ions) are formed.

* Formation of a Solution: The resulting solution contains dissolved ions, which are chemically distinct from the original solid silver nitrate. This is another indication of a chemical change.

Key Differences between Physical and Chemical Changes:

* Physical changes alter the form or appearance of a substance but not its chemical composition (e.g., melting ice).

* Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances with different chemical properties (e.g., burning wood).

In the case of silver nitrate and water, the chemical composition of the solution is different from the original substances, making it a chemical change.