Which of the following is a physical property of the aluminum used in beverage cans?

• A. Aluminum forms aluminum oxide when exposed to air.
• B. Aluminum reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas.
• C. Aluminum is a silvery, lightweight metal with high electrical conductivity.
• D. Aluminum is highly flammable under normal conditions.

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 identity, while chemical properties describe how a substance reacts to form new substances.
2. Analyze each statement to determine if it describes a physical or chemical property:
3. - "Aluminum forms aluminum oxide when exposed to air" describes a chemical change (formation of a new substance), so it's a chemical property.
4. - "Aluminum reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas" involves a chemical reaction, so it's a chemical property.
5. - "Aluminum is a silvery, lightweight metal with high electrical conductivity" describes observable characteristics without changing the substance, so it's a physical property.