Before matter is burned, it still keeps its original physical and chemical properties. For example, a piece of paper before burning is solid, lightweight, white or off-white in color, and made of cellulose fibers. It can be folded, torn, and written on. Its chemical structure has not yet changed.In general, before burning, matter has not undergone chemical change. Its molecules are still in their original form. When something is burned, it reacts with oxygen (combustion), causing a new substance (like ash, smoke, or gas) to form. So, before burning, matter is still in its unchanged or original state.