Which of the following describes a chemical property of a metal?

• A. It reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas.
• B. It can be hammered into thin sheets.
• C. It is a good conductor of electricity.
• D. It has a shiny, metallic luster.

Answer: (A)

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 how a substance interacts with other substances, resulting in a change in composition.
2. Analyze each option to determine if it describes a physical or chemical property:
3. - "It reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas" involves a chemical reaction, changing the metal's composition, so it is a chemical property.
4. - "It can be hammered into thin sheets" describes malleability, a physical property because the metal's identity remains unchanged.
5. - "It is a good conductor of electricity" and "It has a shiny, metallic luster" are physical properties related to electrical conductivity and appearance, respectively.