Which of the following is a chemical property of aluminum?

• A. Aluminum is a silvery-white metal.
• B. Aluminum has a density of 2.70 g/cm^3.
• C. Aluminum is malleable and can be rolled into thin sheets.
• D. Aluminum reacts with oxygen to form aluminum oxide.

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 how a substance interacts with other substances, leading to a change in its chemical composition.
2. Review each statement about aluminum and classify it as a physical or chemical property based on the definitions: For example, color, density, and malleability are physical properties because they describe appearance, mass per volume, and mechanical behavior without changing the substance itself.
3. Identify the statement that involves a chemical change: 'Aluminum reacts with oxygen to form aluminum oxide' describes a chemical reaction where aluminum combines with oxygen, changing its chemical identity.
4. Recognize that this reaction demonstrates a chemical property because it shows aluminum's ability to undergo a chemical change by reacting with oxygen.
5. Conclude that the correct chemical property of aluminum is its reactivity with oxygen to form aluminum oxide, distinguishing it from the physical properties listed.