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Aluminum

What is Aluminum

Aluminum (pronounced as ah-LOO-men-em) is a soft and lightweight metal, represented by the chemical Al. It exists in the form of several mineral compounds, having a wide range of commercial uses due to its non-toxic nature and high-corrosion resistance. It has 15 isotopes with mass numbers ranging from 22 to 35 of which only Al-26 is radioactive with a half life of 7.17×105years and Al-27 exists naturally.

Aluminum Symbol

Where Can it Be Found

The element constitutes about 8.1% of the earth’s crust making it one of the most abundant metals. It can be found combined with other metals in the form of silicate minerals like cryolite and bauxite. Its production on a commercial scale is done by an expensive chemical process called Hall-Heroult process that involves a large amount of energy.

History

Origin of its Name: Its name is derived from the Latin word for alum called ‘alumen’ that means bitter salt [1].

Who Discovered it: Hans Oersted [1]

When, Where, And How was it Discovered

It was believed during the 3rd century in China that the tomb of a military leader called Chou-Chu contained about 85% aluminum. In the 1700s, the presence of the metal’s oxide was also coined, but no further analysis could be made. In fact, the Cornish chemist Henry Davy tried to extract sodium and potassium from their respective oxides, but the Al could not be obtained.

It was only in 1825 when Oersted at Copenhagen, Denmark heated aluminum chloride with potassium and extracted an impure form of the metal. In 1827 Friedrich Wohler, the German chemist, finally repeated the method using sodium and obtained a pure sample [1].

Aluminum

Classification, Properties, and Characteristics of Aluminum

General Properties

Relative/Average atomic mass26.982 [1]
Atomic mass/weight26.982 atomic mass units [4]
Molar mass/Molecular weight26.982 g/mol [3]
Mass number27

Physical Properties

Color/physical appearanceSilver white[1]
Melting point/freezing point 660.323°C (1220.581°F) [1]
Boiling point2519°C (4566°F)  [1]
Density 2.70 g/cm3 [1]
Standard/Physical state of matter at normal room temperature (solid/liquid/gas)Solid [1]
DuctilityYes
MalleabilityYes
Hardness2.9 Mohs [6]
Electrical conductivity37.6676 x 106 Sm-1[4]
Thermal conductivity237 Wm-1K-1 [4]
Specific heat capacity0.90 Jg-1K-1 [4]
Specific gravity2.8
Resistivity2.65 x10-8ρ (ohm m) [5]
Tensile strength90 Mpa [5]
Temperature coefficient0.00393 α/°C
Tensile yield strength276 Mpa [7]
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion/heat transfer 23.1 10-6K-1
Coefficient of friction1.35

Chemical Properties

FlammabilityFlammable [4]
Oxidation state/Oxidation number+1, (+2), +3 [1]
Location of Aluminium in the Periodic Table

Atomic Data of Aluminum

Valence electrons 1 [8]
Electron configuration (noble gas configuration) [Ne]3s23p1[1]
Crystal structure Face-centered cubic
Lattice constant/parameter 0.405 nm
Energy levels [9]  
First energy level 2
Second energy level 8
Third energy level 3
Atomic structure [4]  
– Number of electrons 13
– Number of neutrons 14
– Number of protons 13
Radius of atom  
– Atomic radius 1.84 Å [1]
– Covalent radius 1.24 Å [1]
Electronegativity 1.61 [1]
Ion charge +1 [3]
Ionization energy [1]

 

(kJmol-1)

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th
  577.539 1816.679 2744.781 11577.469 14841.857 18379.49 23326.3
 
Aluminum Atomic Structure (Bohr Model)

What is Aluminum Commonly Used for

  • It is used in the a vast range of products like fence gate panels, sidings, cans, tubing, pipes, wirings, foils, roofing, frying, pans, railings, coatings, patio covers, wheels, brazing rods, screen doors, radiators, gas fuel tanks, and poles [1].
  • A good conductor of electricity, Al makes an ideal substitute for copper in terms of cost and weight to make electrical transmission lines [1].
  • Aluminum is alloyed with other metals like copper, magnesium, silicon, and manganese to make ball bearings, automobile parts, rockets, and airplanes [1, 2].
  • The metal is often used as a reflective coating on telescope mirrors, toys, packages, decorative, and decorative papers to protect against light and heat [1].
  • As an alternative to expensive batteries and liquid fuels, aluminium fuel ion air cells/batteries are more convenient and portable for use [10].
Aluminum Pictures

Does the Element Have Any Toxic Effects

Inhalation of Al-containing dusts or fumes affects the respiratory system, causing cough and other lung-related disorders. Prolonged ingestion of the metal in the form of some oral products can be damaging to the kidneys as well as increase the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease [11].

Aluminum Powder

Interesting Facts

  • Before the discovery of the Hall-Heroult process, pure Al was more expensive than gold and hence called the ‘King of Metals’ [12].
  • The metal can be recycled several times without compromising on its quality [12].
Aluminum Metal Sheet

Aluminum Price

The cost of pure may vary somewhere between $ 0.9 and $ 1.

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