Final answer:
A change that results in the formation of a new substance with different properties from the original is a chemical change. Unlike physical changes, chemical changes alter the substance's molecular structure and are often harder to reverse.
Step-by-step explanation:
A chemical change is the correct answer to the student's question: A change in a substance that creates a new substance with properties or characteristics different from the original substance is a(n) chemical change. This type of change results in the transformation of one molecular substance into another, indicating that the substance's chemical composition has been altered. For instance, when gasoline burns, it reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide gas and water vapor, which are different substances from the original gasoline. This is in contrast to a physical change, which does not affect the chemical composition of matter but may change its form or state, like melting ice into water or evaporating liquid water into vapor.
In summary, chemical changes can create new substances with different properties, and they often require more effort to reverse compared to physical changes. Observable signs of a chemical change may include a change in color, temperature, or the formation of gas bubbles or a precipitate.