Several properties of the element magnesium are shown below. Which one is a chemical property?

• A. Magnesium is malleable and can be rolled into sheets.
• B. Magnesium has a melting point of 650 °C.
• C. Magnesium is a silvery-white metal.
• D. Magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas.

Answer: (D)

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 identity, while chemical properties describe a substance's ability to undergo chemical changes and form new substances.
2. Review each given property and classify it: 'Malleable and can be rolled into sheets' describes a physical property related to the metal's shape and form.
3. 'Melting point of 650 °C' is a physical property because it describes a temperature at which magnesium changes state but remains chemically the same.
4. 'Silvery-white metal' is a physical property describing the appearance of magnesium without altering its chemical identity.
5. The statement 'Magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas' describes a chemical property because it involves magnesium undergoing a chemical reaction to form new substances (magnesium chloride and hydrogen gas).