Which one of the following is a characteristic of a metal?

A. Changes the color of litmus paper to red

B. Conducts heat readily

C. Reacts with bases to produce salts

D. Becomes negative when combined with other elements

B. Conducts heat readily. Metals are good conductors of heat; they are shiny, malleable, and mostly solid. Because of its malleability, it can be flattened or beaten into wires, foils and plates. When combined with other metals, they form positive ions.