what are some indications of a chemical reaction?

Answer 1

1.phase change
2.smoke formation
3.precipitation
4.energy changes
5.light and or heat and or sound accompanying the reaction
etc.

Answer 2

Reaction Energy
All chemical reactions are accompanied by a change in energy. Some reactions release energy to their surroundings (usually in the form of heat) and are called exothermic. For example, sodium and chlorine react so violently that flames can be seen as the exothermic reaction gives off heat. On the other hand, some reactions need to absorb heat from their surroundings to proceed. These reactions are called endothermic. A good example of an endothermic reaction is that which takes place inside of an instant '"cold pack." Commercial cold packs usually consist of two compounds - urea and ammonium chloride in separate containers within a plastic bag. When the bag is bent and the inside containers are broken, the two compounds mix together and begin to react. Because the reaction is endothermic, it absorbs heat from the surrounding environment and the bag gets cold.

Reactions that proceed immediately when two substances are mixed together (such as the reaction of sodium with chlorine or urea with ammonium chloride) are called spontaneous reactions. Not all reactions proceed spontaneously. For example, think of a match. When you strike a match you are causing a reaction between the chemicals in the match head and oxygen in the air. The match won't light spontaneously, though. You first need to input energy, which is called the activation energy of the reaction. In the case of the match, you supply activation energy in the form of heat by striking the match on the matchbook; after the activation energy is absorbed and the reaction begins, the reaction continues until you either extinguish the flame or you run out of material to react.

Answer 3

1.) Change in energy (becoming hotter or cooler) - in extreme cases, explosion
2.) Change in pH
3.) Formation of a gas or precipitate, or foam (in rare cases, an insoluble liquid may form)
4.) Change in color
5.) Change in volume or density
6.) Electromagnetic activity
7.) Production of a distincive odor