Which statement describes a chemical property of iron?
(1) Iron oxidizes. (2) Iron is a solid at STP. (3) Iron melts. (4) Iron is attracted to a magnet.
Answer and Explanation:
Let's first begin by defining a chemical property. Chemical property is a characteristic observed during a chemical reaction (during a reaction the identity of the substance changes). Therefore, we have to look for anything that would change the identity of iron. Let's now take a look at our answer choices, starting from the last one. "Iron is attracted to a magnet." is not a chemical property since it does not change the identity of iron. Melting of iron also does not change its identity, but only it's phase (from solid to liquid). Choice 2 is also not a chemical property since it describes the physical state of iron. Therefore, choice 1 is the correct answer because oxidation of iron is a reaction!
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