Rusting steel is an example of __________ change.

Rusting steel is an example of a chemical change because it involves a reaction between iron (found in steel) and oxygen in the presence of moisture, resulting in the formation of iron oxide, commonly known as rust. This transformation alters the chemical composition of the original material. Unlike physical changes, which only affect the physical properties of a substance without changing its chemical structure, chemical changes lead to the creation of new substances. The process of rusting is irreversible under normal conditions; once steel rusts, it cannot be returned to its pure iron state without significant intervention, a characteristic hallmark of chemical changes. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing how materials interact in various environments, particularly within the context of handling and storing hazardous materials.