Chemical Changes Chemical changes are when a substance combines with another substance, this is called a chemical reaction. One example is a burning candle, this an example of chemical change through the combination of wax and oxygen. The reaction produces heat, light, and carbon dioxide. Physical Changes Physical changes are changes that form from a chemical substance, but not its chemical composition. Ex: Crushing a Can, Melting an Ice Cube, Boiling Water, Breaking a Glass, and Dissolving Sugar in Water Chemical Changes vs. Physical Changes A physical change in a substance does not change when there is a chemical reaction. In a chemical change there is a chemical reaction, a new substance is formed.