Aluminum is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is a silvery-white, lightweight metal that is highly reactive. Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust, and it is found in many different types of rocks and minerals.
Because of its reactivity, aluminum is never found in its pure form in nature. Instead, it must be extracted from compounds in order to be used. Aluminum is an important element in many different applications, including in the production of foil, cans, and other packaging materials, as well as in the construction of airplanes and other vehicles.
It is also an essential nutrient for the human body, as it helps to strengthen bones and teeth, and it plays a role in many other physiological processes.
| Property | Value |
| Atomic Number | 13 |
| Symbol | Al |
| Element Name | Aluminum |
| Atomic Mass | 26.9815 g/mol |
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Aluminum Facts for kids
- It has the atomic number 13 and the symbol Al.
- It is a silvery-white, lightweight metal that is highly reactive.
- Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust.
- It is found in many different types of rocks and minerals.
- Because of its reactivity, aluminum is never found in its pure form in nature.
- Aluminum is used to make foil and cans, among other things.
Characteristics and Properties
Aluminum is an amazing metal. It’s soft, strong, and lightweight – making it perfect for a variety of uses. It’s silvery-gray in color, and it’s a reactive element. It’s also a great conductor of electricity and heat, which makes it very useful in many industries.
One of the best things about aluminum is its corrosion resistance. It’s not as strong as some metals, but its low density makes it resistant to corrosion, which is a major advantage. It’s also relatively inexpensive, so you can use it for many different applications.
Aluminum is also great for forming and molding. It can be easily cut, welded, and machined into shapes. This makes it easy to use for a variety of projects. It’s also great for stamping, which is a popular way to make parts and components.
One of the drawbacks of aluminum is that it’s not as strong as some other metals. It’s also not as resistant to heat as some other metals. However, it’s still an excellent choice for many applications. It’s lightweight, it’s resistant to corrosion, and it’s relatively inexpensive.
So there you have it – aluminum is an amazing metal with a variety of uses. It’s soft, strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. It’s also a great conductor of electricity and heat, making it perfect for many projects. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive, making it a great choice for a variety of applications.
Where is aluminum found on Earth?
Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust, and it is found in many different types of rocks and minerals. It is typically found in the form of compounds, such as aluminum oxide (alumina) and aluminum silicate (clay). Aluminum is also found in large quantities in seawater, where it is dissolved in water.
Some of the main minerals that contain aluminum include bauxite, cryolite, and alunite. Bauxite is a type of rock that is rich in aluminum oxide, and it is the primary source of aluminum for commercial production.
Cryolite is a mineral that is made up of sodium, aluminum, and fluoride, and it is used in the production of aluminum. Alunite is a type of rock that is rich in aluminum sulfate, and it is also used in the production of aluminum.
Overall, aluminum can be found in many parts of the world, and it is an important element in many different applications. It is typically extracted from minerals and compounds through a process known as electrolysis, in which an electric current is used to break down the compounds and separate the aluminum from other elements.
What Things Are Made of Aluminum
Foil
Aluminum foil is thin sheets of aluminum that are used for wrapping food, lining baking pans, and other applications.
Cans
Many types of food and beverage cans are made of aluminum, as it is lightweight and easy to recycle.
Cooking utensils
It’s a good conductor of heat, so it is commonly used in the production of cooking utensils, such as pots, pans, and baking sheets.
Automobiles
Used in the construction of many different types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses. It is used for the body, the chassis, and many other parts of the vehicle.
Airplanes
Did you know it’s also used in the construction of airplanes, as it is lightweight and strong? It is used for the fuselage, the wings, and many other parts of the plane.
Buildings
It’s used in the construction of many buildings, including skyscrapers, bridges, and other structures. It is used for the frame, the windows, and many other parts of the building.
Electronics
Also used in the production of many different types of electronics, such as laptops, smartphones, and TVs. It is used for housing, circuit boards, and many other parts of electronics.
How was Aluminum Discovered?
Aluminum was first discovered by Danish scientist Hans Christian Ørsted in 1825. Ørsted was conducting experiments on the reaction of aluminum chloride with potassium, and he found that the reaction produced a new metal. He named this metal “aluminum,” after the Latin word “alumen,” which means “bitter salt.”
However, it was not until 1845 that German chemist Friedrich Wöhler was able to isolate pure aluminum. Wöhler was able to do this by reacting aluminum chloride with potassium and then using the process of electrolysis to separate the pure aluminum from other elements.
Wöhler’s discovery of pure aluminum was an important milestone in the study of chemistry, and it paved the way for many of the uses of aluminum that we know today.
Where did aluminum get its name?
The word “aluminum” comes from the Latin word “alumen,” which means “bitter salt.” Danish physicist Hans Christian Ørsted was the first to use this name when he discovered the element in 1825.
Ørsted named the element “aluminum” because it was first isolated from a compound of aluminum and chlorine, which is known as aluminum chloride.
This compound has a bitter, salty taste, which is why Ørsted chose the name “aluminum” for the new element. Over time, the spelling of the word changed from “aluminum” to “aluminium,” and today, both spellings are commonly used.
