What happens to gas bubbles formed during a chemical reaction?

Gas bubbles formed during a chemical reaction are a sign that a chemical change is taking place. This is because the evolution of gas typically signifies that new substances with different properties are being produced as a result of the chemical interaction between reactants.

In many chemical reactions, especially those involving acids and bases or the decomposition of compounds, gaseous products can form and escape into the atmosphere, which is observable as bubbling or fizzing. The presence of these gas bubbles suggests that a transformation of the original substances has occurred, indicating a change in their chemical structure.

This phenomenon can be contrasted with physical changes, where substances might change state (like melting or boiling) without altering their chemical identity. For instance, the formation of gas bubbles due to boiling water would be a physical change, as no new substance is formed. However, when gas is produced during a reaction, it signifies a chemical change, where new substances with different compositions and properties are generated.