| Aluminum |
| | |  |
| Atomic Number - | 13 | Melting Point (°C,°F) - | 660.32 °C, 1220.58 °F |
| Atomic Symbol - | Al | Boiling Point (°C,°F) - | 2519 °C, 4566 °F |
| Atomic Mass - | 26.98 | Electron Configuration - | [Ne] 3s2 3p1 |
| Group - | 13 | Electrons Per Shell - | 2, 8, 3 |
| Period - | 3 | Protons - | 13 |
| Series - | Poor Metals | Neutrons - | 14 |
| Block - | p-block | | |
| | |
|
Element Description - Aluminium or aluminum is the chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is a silvery and ductile member of the poor metal group of chemical elements. Aluminium is found primarily as the ore bauxite and is remarkable for its resistance to corrosion (due to the phenomenon of passivation) and its light weight. Aluminium is used in many industries to make millions of different products and is very important to the world economy. Structural components made from aluminium and its alloys are vital to the aerospace industry and very important in other areas of transportation and building in which light weight, durability, and strength are needed. |
Element Characteristics - Aluminium is a soft and lightweight metal with a dull silvery appearance, due to a thin layer of oxidation that forms quickly when it is exposed to air. Aluminium is nontoxic (as the metal), non-magnetic, and non-sparking. Pure aluminium has a tensile strength of about 49 megapascals (MPa) and 400 MPa if it is formed into an alloy. Aluminium is about one-third as dense as steel or copper; is malleable, ductile, and easily machined and cast; and has excellent corrosion resistance and durability due to the protective oxide layer. Aluminium mirror finish has the highest reflectance of any metal in the 200-400 nm (UV) , and the 3000-10000 nm (far IR) regions, while in the 400-700 nm visible range it is slightly outdone by silver, and in the 700-3000 (near IR) by silver, gold and copper. It is the second most malleable metal (after gold) and the sixth most ductile. Aluminium is a good heat conductor which is why it is used to make saucepans. |
| |
|
|
|
