Chemical properties are really important in understanding how new substances are made. Let's break it down in simpler terms:

1. What Are Chemical Properties?
   These are traits that show up when a chemical reaction happens. Unlike physical properties—like color or shape, which you can see without changing the substance—chemical properties tell us how a substance acts when it meets other substances.

2. Some Examples:

   • Reactivity: Some substances react really fast. For example, when sodium meets water, it creates sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. This shows us how reactivity can create new substances.
   • Combustion: This is what happens when something burns. It combines with oxygen. For instance, when wood burns, it turns into ash, carbon dioxide, and water.

3. Creating New Substances:
   When chemical properties are involved—like acidity or rusting—substances can change into something new. For example:

   • When iron rusts, it reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide, which is a completely different material!

In summary, knowing about chemical properties helps us guess how substances will work together. This way, we can figure out what new materials we can make or if a reaction will happen at all. It’s just like understanding the rules of a game—knowing them helps you play better!