What term describes a process that results in new substances forming through chemical bond creation?

The process that results in new substances forming through chemical bond creation is referred to as a chemical reaction. During a chemical reaction, atoms rearrange and form new bonds, leading to the creation of different substances with distinct properties.

A chemical change is a broader term that describes any change in which the substance's identity can change, which includes reactions but does not solely define the formation of new substances. Physical changes, on the other hand, do not involve the formation of new substances and can include changes in states of matter, such as melting or boiling. A thermal reaction is not a standard term used in chemistry, as it does not specifically describe the process of bonding and substance formation.

Thus, the term that accurately captures the essence of forming new substances through bond creation is a chemical reaction.