How to identify a Chemical Property and a Chemical Change?

Physical properties are the traits of an object that can be readily seen such as size, color and state. Measuring or changing these properties does not affect the chemical nature of the matter. For example, a paper that is cut into small pieces has undergone a physical change. The pieces have a different quantity, size, shape and texture than the original sheet.

Chemical properties are the characteristics that describe the composition of matter. These traits are carried by each individual atom, or part of matter. Some examples of chemical properties include combustibility, flammability and reactivity. Another way to look at this is to think of the chemical properties as potentials. Dry paper has the potential to burn; this is flammability, a chemical property. Magnesium metal has the potential to combine with oxygen and form Magnesium Oxide.