Question

1. a student finds a gray metal sample and claims it is aluminum. which investigation best tests this claim using physical properties?

a. measure its density and compare it to aluminums known density
b. observe whether the metal rusts when exposed to air
c. test if the metal reacts with hydrochloric acid
d. heat the metal to see if it produces a flame color

Explanation:

Physical properties are characteristics that can be observed or measured without changing the substance's chemical composition. Density is a physical property. Measuring the metal's density (a physical property) and comparing it to aluminum's known density (a physical property) directly tests the claim using physical - property - related investigation. Observing rusting (a chemical change), testing reaction with hydrochloric acid (a chemical reaction), and heating to see flame color (a chemical property related to electron transitions in a chemical context) are related to chemical properties.

Answer:

A. Measure its density and compare it to aluminum's known density