MEGA Elementary Education Multi-Content Practice Test

Which characteristic is a chemical property of a substance?

1. density

2. solubility

3. malleability

4. flammability

The correct answer is: flammability

Flammability is a hallmark example of a chemical property and is defined as the ability of a substance to burn or ignite, causing a chemical change. When a substance burns, it reacts with oxygen in the environment, resulting in the formation of new substances, such as gases, smoke, or ash. This reaction indicates a chemical transformation, which is the essence of a chemical property. In contrast, density, solubility, and malleability are classified as physical properties. Density measures the mass per unit volume and does not involve a change in the substance's chemical identity. Solubility refers to the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent, which also does not change the intrinsic nature of the substance. Malleability describes a material's ability to be hammered or shaped without breaking, again characterizing its physical state rather than its chemical reactivity. Thus, flammability stands out as the characteristic that reflects how a substance reacts chemically under specific conditions.