Change in Temperature

A change in temperature is characteristic of a chemical change. During an experiment, one could dip a thermometer into a beaker or Erlenmeyer Flask to verify a temperature change. If temperature increases, as it does in most reactions, a chemical change is likely to be occurring. This is different from the physical temperature change. During a physical temperature change, one substance, such as water is being heated. However, in this case, one compound is mixed in with another, and these reactants produce a product. When the reactants are mixed, the temperature change caused by the reaction is an indicator of a chemical change.

Figure: Violent Reaction (Fireworks) with heat as a product

As an example of a exothermic reaction, if Fe2O3 is mixed with Al and ignighted (often with burning Mg), then the thermite reaciton is initiated

This reaction generates heat as a product and is (very) exothermic.

However, physical changes can be exothermic or endothermic. The melting of an ice cube, which is endothermic, is a change in a physical property and not composition. Thus, it is a physical change.