Final answer:
The correct answer is wood burning in a fireplace; it is a chemical change because new substances are formed as a result of the reaction. Option A is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks to identify which of the listed changes is a chemical change. A chemical change is a process that involves the transformation of one substance into a completely new substance with different chemical properties. Here are the options assessed for whether they are physical or chemical changes:
Wood burning in a fireplace - This is a chemical change because the wood reacts with oxygen to form new substances like carbon dioxide and water vapor, along with light and heat.
Ice melting to water - This is considered a physical change because it is just the change of state of water from solid to liquid without changing the chemical composition.
Chopping wood for fire - This is a physical change, as it involves the physical alteration of the size and shape of the wood, but the chemical composition remains unchanged.
Pouring water into a glass - This is a physical change. There is no alteration of the chemical structure of the water.
Shaping soft clay into a sculpture - This is a physical change. The clay's shape is altered, but its substance is not chemically transformed.
Therefore, the correct answer is a. wood burning in a fireplace, as it is the only process that represents a chemical change.