Which of the following best describes the melting point of copper?

• A. It is a chemical property because melting involves breaking chemical bonds.
• B. It is a physical property only when copper is in a compound.
• C. It is a physical property because it can be measured without changing copper's chemical identity.
• D. It is not a property of copper since copper does not melt.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between physical and chemical properties: Physical properties can be observed or measured without changing the substance's chemical identity, while chemical properties involve a substance's ability to undergo chemical changes that alter its composition.
2. Consider what happens when copper melts: Melting is a phase change from solid to liquid, which involves overcoming intermolecular forces or metallic bonds but does not change the elemental identity of copper atoms.
3. Analyze the options given: The statement that melting involves breaking chemical bonds is incorrect because metallic bonds are not broken in a chemical sense but rather overcome temporarily during melting.
4. Recognize that melting point is a characteristic physical property because it can be measured without altering the chemical structure of copper.
5. Conclude that the best description is that melting point is a physical property since copper remains chemically the same before and after melting.