Aluminium - Overview, Properties & Uses, Sources, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:24 PM IST

Aluminium is soft, silvery-white, ductile, and nonmagnetic element. In the Earth's crust, it is the third most plentiful element. Aluminium comes in a variety of colours, ranging from silvery to drab grey, depending on the surface reference. Aluminium, a member of the Boron family, is a well-known "group 13" element. Aluminium Electronic Configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹. Aluminium atomic number is 13. Aluminium symbol is Al.

This Story also Contains

Physical Properties Of Aluminium
Chemical Properties Of Aluminium
Uses Of Aluminium And Aluminium Foil
Aluminium Ore Extraction
Ores of Aluminium
Meltallurgy of Aluminium
Metallurgy of Aluminium
Hall-Heroult Process

Aluminium - Overview, Properties & Uses, Sources, FAQs

As it has an extra electron orbit than Boron, the sum of the first three ionisation enthalpies of Aluminium is lower than Boron's, allowing it to form Al³⁺ ions. It is a strongly electropositive element that, like Aluminium Oxide, usually produces +3 oxidation states (Al₂O₃). Mass number of aluminium is 26.98u

Physical Properties Of Aluminium

The physical properties of an element deals with properties such as color, melting point, boiling point, density, conductivity, solubility among others.

This element has a high reactivity. Steel's rigidity and density of aluminum are around one-third of that of this material.

Aluminium is a corrosion-resistant metal and atomic mass of aluminium is 27amu.

Boiling point of aluminum is 2,470 degree Celsius

It has the ability to conduct electricity in a superconducting state.

There are numerous unidentified isotopes with atomic mass of aluminium or mass of Al ranging from twenty-one to forty-one.

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Chemical Properties Of Aluminium

Follwing are the chemical properties of Aluminium:

1. Aluminium with HCl reaction

At room temperature, aluminium get reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid. Aluminum chloride and colourless hydrogen gas are produced when the metal aluminium dissolves in hydrochloric acid. The chemical reaction between aluminium and hydrochloric acid is irreversible.

2Al + 6HCl → 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂↑

2. Aluminum Reaction with Sodium hydroxide

The action of sodium hydroxide on elemental aluminium, which is an amphoteric metal, also produces sodium aluminate. Once established, the reaction is highly exothermic and is accompanied by the rapid development of hydrogen gas.

2NaOH + 2H₂O → 2NaAlO₂ + 3H.

3. Aluminum Reaction with water

Aluminum metal forms a thin film of aluminium oxide, a few millimetres thick, that prevents it from interacting with water. According to the equation, aluminium reacts with water to produce hydrogen gas.

2Al + 3H₂O → 3H₂ + Al₂O₃

Uses Of Aluminium And Aluminium Foil

As castings, it is employed in the transportation of railways, trucks, and vehicles.

It's a component of packaging.

Al (II) compounds are formed when Al metal reacts with oxidants.

The presence of aluminium can be determined in qualitative analysis using aluminon.

Aluminum foil, commonly known as tin foil, is a slick, paper-thin sheet of aluminium metal. It is made by rolling atomic mass of aluminiumive slabs of aluminium until they are less than 0.2 mm thick.

Insulation, packing, and shipping are just a few of the applications for aluminium foil in the industrial world. It's also commonly available at all grocery stores for usage in the home. Aluminum foil is used in the home to store food, wrap goods, and cover baking surfaces such as meat to avoid moisture loss when cooking.

Aluminum foil is also used to wrap and protect more delicate foods, such as vegetables, while they are being grilled.

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Aluminium Ore Extraction

A silky, silvery-white metal that resists corrosion. It is the most plentiful metal in the earth's crust, accounting for 8% of it, and the third most abundant element after oxygen and silicon. Until now, bauxite ore (Al₂O₃.xH₂O), a combination of hydrated aluminium oxide, has been the primary source of aluminium.

Cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) and alunite can also be used to recover aluminium. Garnet, topaz, and chrysoberyl are some of the gemstones that contain it. Al is the chemical aluminum symbol for this metal. Aluminium is a chemical element that belongs to the boron group and has the symbol Al. It is most commonly used non-ferrous metal.

Ores of Aluminium

Aluminum is a highly reactive metal that belongs to the periodic table's IIIA group. Aluminium is present in its ores in the form of its oxide in nature. The most important aluminium ores are

Bauxite – Al₂O₃.2H₂O

Corundum – Al₂O₃

Cryolite – Na₃AlF₆

Meltallurgy of Aluminium

Concentration of ore

Impurities in bauxite ore include ferric oxide and silica. It is concentrated first by gravity separation of ferric oxide impurities, followed by a magnetic separation process. After that, the ore is concentrated using a chemical process.

Aluminium ore is referred to as bauxite. Bauxite is refined to produce aluminium oxide, a white powder from which aluminium may be extracted.

Ferric oxide and silica are two impurities found in bauxite ore. It is concentrated first by separating ferric oxide impurities by gravity, then by a magnetic separation method. The ore is then concentrated by a chemical process.

Bauxite is the name for aluminium ore. Bauxite is processed to generate aluminium oxide, a white powder that may be used to extract aluminium.

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Metallurgy of Aluminium

The primary source of aluminium is bauxite ore. Ore dressing entails crushing and pulverising the ore.

Bayer’s Process

Aluminium ore is processed with concentrated sodium hydroxide in this procedure. It produces soluble sodium aluminate, which is filtered out. When the filtrate is heated with water, it produces aluminium hydroxide, which when heated further produces alumina.

Hall-Heroult Process

In the extraction of aluminium, the Hall-Heroult technique is commonly utilized. Pure Al₂O₃ is combined with CaF₂ or Na₃AlF₆ in the Hall-Heroults process. As a result, the melting point of aluminum of the combination is lowered, and its ability to conduct electricity is increased. The vessel is made of steel with a carbon and graphite rod liner.

The cathode is the carbon lining, and the anode is graphite.When electricity is transmitted through a carbon electrode electrolytic cell, oxygen is produced at the anode. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are created when the oxygen produced reacts with the carbon in the anode. In this process of aluminium manufacturing, approximately 0.5 kilogramme of carbon anode is burned for every 1 kg of Al produced.

2Al₂O₃ + 3C → 4Al + 3CO₂

The electrolytic reactions:

At cathode:

Al³⁺ + 3e^– → Al (l)

At anode:

C (s) + O^2- → CO (g) + 2e^–

C (s) + 2O²- → CO₂ (g) + 4e^–

Positively charged aluminium ions gain electrons from the cathode and create molten aluminium during the electrolysis process.

Oxide ions lose their anode electrons and produce oxygen molecules.

Aluminium is too large to be extracted from its ore by carbon reduction in the electrochemical sequence, which is also known as the reactivity series. Temperatures necessary are far too high to be cost-effective.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the mass number of Al?

The mass number of aluminum (Al) is 27.

2. What are the properties and uses of aluminium?

Aluminium is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, conductive, and easily malleable metal. It is used in aerospace, transportation, construction, packaging, and electronics due to its strength and versatility.

3. Is Al atomic mass 26 or 27?

Aluminium (Al) has an atomic mass of approximately 26.98, which is usually rounded to 27.

4. Who discovered aluminium?

Aluminium was discovered by Hans Christian Ørsted, a Danish physicist and chemist, in 1825. He was the first to produce small quantities of the metal by reducing aluminium chloride with potassium amalgam.

5. What is aluminium atomic number ?

Aluminium atomic number is 13.

6. How does aluminium form ions, and what is its most common oxidation state?

Aluminium forms ions by losing its three valence electrons (two from 3s and one from 3p). Its most common oxidation state is +3, forming the Al³⁺ ion.

7. Why does aluminium exhibit amphoteric behavior?

Aluminium exhibits amphoteric behavior because it can react with both acids and bases. This is due to its ability to form both aluminium ions (Al³⁺) in acidic solutions and aluminate ions (Al(OH)₄⁻) in basic solutions.

8. How does aluminium resist corrosion?

Aluminium resists corrosion by forming a thin, protective layer of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) on its surface when exposed to air. This layer is adherent and self-healing, providing ongoing protection against further oxidation.

9. What is the electronic configuration of aluminium?

Aluminium's electronic configuration is [Ne] 3s² 3p¹. This means it has 2 electrons in its 3s orbital and 1 electron in its 3p orbital, with a neon-like core.

10. Why is aluminium considered a p-block element?

Aluminium is considered a p-block element because its last electron enters the p-orbital. Specifically, its valence electron configuration is 3s² 3p¹, with the single p electron defining its chemical properties.

11. What is the "Hall-Héroult process" and why is it important for aluminium production?

The Hall-Héroult process is the primary method for producing aluminium industrially. It involves the electrolysis of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) dissolved in molten cryolite (Na₃AlF₆). This process is crucial because it made large-scale aluminium production economically viable.

12. What role does cryolite play in the extraction of aluminium?

Cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) is used as an electrolyte in the Hall-Héroult process. It dissolves aluminium oxide, lowering its melting point and making the electrolysis process more energy-efficient. Cryolite also improves the conductivity of the molten mixture.

13. What is the relationship between aluminium and bauxite?

Bauxite is the primary ore from which aluminium is extracted. It's a mixture of aluminium hydroxide minerals, primarily gibbsite (Al(OH)₃), boehmite (γ-AlO(OH)), and diaspore (α-AlO(OH)). The Hall-Héroult process is used to extract pure aluminium from alumina, which is first obtained from bauxite.

14. Why is recycling aluminium particularly important compared to other materials?

Recycling aluminium is crucial because it requires only about 5% of the energy needed to produce new aluminium from ore. This energy efficiency, combined with aluminium's infinite recyclability without loss of quality, makes it an environmentally important material to recycle.

15. How does aluminium contribute to sustainable energy technologies?

Aluminium plays a role in sustainable energy technologies through its use in solar panels (frames and some electrical components), wind turbines (blades and structural components), and electric vehicles (to reduce weight). Its recyclability also contributes to the sustainability of these technologies.

16. Why is aluminium not found in its pure form in nature?

Aluminium is not found in its pure form in nature due to its high reactivity. It readily combines with oxygen and other elements to form compounds. This is why aluminium must be extracted from ores like bauxite through energy-intensive processes.

17. What is the significance of aluminium in the Earth's crust?

Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust, making up about 8% by mass. This abundance, combined with its useful properties, makes it a crucial element in many industries and applications.

18. What is the environmental impact of aluminium production?

The primary environmental impact of aluminium production is high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the Hall-Héroult process. Mining of bauxite can also lead to deforestation and soil erosion. However, aluminium's recyclability helps offset these impacts in the long term.

19. How does the melting point of aluminium compare to other common metals?

Aluminium has a relatively low melting point (660.3°C or 1220.5°F) compared to many other common metals. For example, it's much lower than iron (1538°C) or copper (1085°C). This lower melting point makes aluminium easier to cast and shape in manufacturing processes.

20. What is the future outlook for aluminium in terms of technological advancements and sustainability?

The future of aluminium looks promising in terms of both technological advancements and sustainability. Research is ongoing into more energy-efficient production methods, including inert anode technology that could significantly reduce carbon emissions. In terms of applications, aluminium is likely to play an increasing role in electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and advanced aerospace materials. Its infinite recyclability also positions it well in a circular economy model, though improving recycling rates remains a challenge.

21. Why is aluminium a good conductor of electricity despite not being a transition metal?

Aluminium is a good conductor of electricity because it has three valence electrons that are relatively loosely held. These electrons can move freely through the metal's structure, allowing for the conduction of electricity.

22. How does the bonding in aluminium contribute to its malleability and ductility?

Aluminium's malleability and ductility are due to its metallic bonding. The sea of delocalized electrons allows layers of aluminium atoms to slide past each other without breaking bonds, enabling the metal to be shaped without fracturing.

23. How does aluminium's thermal conductivity compare to other common metals?

Aluminium has a high thermal conductivity, about 60% that of copper. This makes it an excellent material for heat sinks and cooking utensils. Its thermal conductivity, combined with its low density, makes it particularly useful in applications where both heat transfer and light weight are important.

24. Why doesn't aluminium react with water despite being above hydrogen in the reactivity series?

Although aluminium is above hydrogen in the reactivity series, it doesn't react with water at room temperature due to the protective oxide layer on its surface. This layer prevents direct contact between aluminium and water, inhibiting the reaction.

25. How does aluminium's reactivity change with particle size?

Aluminium becomes more reactive as particle size decreases. While a solid aluminium block is stable in air, fine aluminium powder can be pyrophoric (spontaneously combustible in air). This is due to the increased surface area available for reaction.

26. What is the significance of aluminium's low density in its applications?

Aluminium's low density (about 2.7 g/cm³) makes it lightweight, which is crucial for applications in aerospace, automotive, and construction industries where weight reduction is important for efficiency and fuel economy.

27. Why is aluminium used in the production of fireworks?

Aluminium powder is used in fireworks because it burns brightly, producing a brilliant white light. The fine aluminium particles react with oxygen in the air at high temperatures, creating this characteristic effect.

28. How does aluminium contribute to energy efficiency in transportation?

Aluminium's low density allows for the construction of lighter vehicles, aircraft, and spacecraft. Lighter vehicles require less energy to move, leading to improved fuel efficiency in transportation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

29. Why is aluminium often alloyed with other metals?

Aluminium is often alloyed to improve its properties such as strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Pure aluminium is relatively soft, so alloying helps create materials suitable for a wider range of applications, like aerospace and automotive industries.

30. What is anodizing, and how does it enhance aluminium's properties?

Anodizing is an electrochemical process that thickens and toughens the natural oxide layer on aluminium's surface. This enhanced oxide layer improves corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and allows for dyeing, making aluminium more versatile for various applications.

31. How does the reactivity of aluminium compare to other metals in the periodic table?

Aluminium is more reactive than many metals below it in the reactivity series (like copper or silver) but less reactive than alkali and alkaline earth metals. Its position in the reactivity series explains why it doesn't react with water at room temperature but reacts with strong acids and bases.

32. How does the presence of aluminium in soil affect plant growth?

High levels of aluminium in acidic soils can be toxic to plants. It can interfere with root growth and nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus. This is why lime is often added to acidic soils to raise pH and reduce aluminium toxicity.

33. What is the role of aluminium in the human body?

Aluminium has no known biological role in the human body. However, it can accumulate in various tissues. There's ongoing research into potential links between aluminium exposure and certain neurological conditions, though no definitive causal relationship has been established.

34. How does aluminium interact with strong bases?

Aluminium reacts with strong bases like sodium hydroxide to form aluminate ions (Al(OH)₄⁻). This reaction demonstrates aluminium's amphoteric nature, as it can act as an acid in basic solutions. The reaction produces hydrogen gas and is often used to demonstrate aluminium's reactivity.

35. Why is aluminium used in packaging, particularly for food and beverages?

Aluminium is used in packaging due to its light weight, strength, and barrier properties. It's impermeable to light, moisture, and gases, which helps preserve food and beverages. Additionally, it's non-toxic and doesn't affect the taste of the contents.

36. How does the atomic radius of aluminium compare to other elements in its group?

Aluminium has a smaller atomic radius compared to the elements below it in Group 13 (boron group). This is due to the increase in nuclear charge and the addition of new electron shells as you move down the group, resulting in the trend of increasing atomic radius down the group.

37. How does aluminium contribute to green building practices?

Aluminium contributes to green building practices through its recyclability, durability, and energy efficiency. Its use in windows and building facades can improve thermal insulation, while its light weight reduces transportation energy costs. The ability to recycle aluminium indefinitely also reduces waste in construction.

38. Why doesn't aluminium form colored compounds like many transition metals?

Aluminium doesn't form colored compounds because it lacks partially filled d-orbitals. Color in transition metal compounds often results from d-d electron transitions. Aluminium's electronic configuration ([Ne] 3s² 3p¹) doesn't allow for these transitions, resulting in colorless compounds.

39. How does aluminium behave in the presence of halogens?

Aluminium reacts readily with halogens to form aluminium halides (AlX₃, where X is a halogen). These reactions are exothermic and can be quite vigorous, especially with chlorine and bromine. The resulting compounds are typically colorless solids with low melting points.

40. What is the significance of aluminium in the aviation industry?

Aluminium is crucial in aviation due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. It allows for the construction of lightweight yet strong aircraft structures, improving fuel efficiency and performance. Aluminium alloys are used in fuselages, wings, and other critical components.

41. What is the role of aluminium in catalysis?

Aluminium plays a role in catalysis, particularly in the form of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃). Alumina is used as a catalyst support in many industrial processes due to its high surface area and thermal stability. It's also used in the production of some polymers and in petroleum refining.

42. How does aluminium interact with organic compounds?

Aluminium and its compounds can interact with organic compounds in various ways. For example, aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) is a powerful Lewis acid used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly in Friedel-Crafts reactions. Organoaluminium compounds are also important in organic synthesis and polymerization reactions.

43. Why is aluminium used in some types of batteries?

Aluminium is used in some types of batteries, particularly aluminium-air batteries, due to its high energy density and abundance. These batteries use aluminium as the anode and oxygen from the air as the cathode. While not yet widely commercialized, they have potential for high-energy applications.

44. How does the presence of aluminium affect water treatment processes?

Aluminium compounds, particularly aluminium sulfate (alum), are used in water treatment as coagulants. They help remove suspended particles and some dissolved substances by causing them to clump together for easier filtration. However, care must be taken to control residual aluminium levels in treated water.

45. What is the significance of aluminium's low neutron-absorption cross-section?

Aluminium's low neutron-absorption cross-section makes it useful in nuclear reactors. It can be used for structural components and fuel cladding without significantly interfering with the nuclear reactions. This property, combined with its strength and low density, makes it valuable in nuclear engineering.

46. How does aluminium contribute to food preservation?

Aluminium contributes to food preservation through its use in packaging. Aluminium foil and cans provide an effective barrier against light, oxygen, and moisture, which can cause food spoilage. The metal's ability to conduct heat also makes it useful in food processing and cooking applications.

47. Why is aluminium sometimes preferred over other metals in electrical transmission lines?

Aluminium is often preferred for electrical transmission lines because of its combination of good electrical conductivity and low density. While copper is a better conductor, aluminium's lighter weight makes it more suitable for long-distance power transmission, reducing the load on support structures.

48. How does the crystal structure of aluminium influence its properties?

Aluminium has a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure. This close-packed arrangement contributes to its ductility and malleability. The FCC structure also allows for easy movement of dislocations, which explains aluminium's ability to be worked and shaped without breaking.

49. How does aluminium behave in acidic environments?

In acidic environments, aluminium's protective oxide layer can be compromised, leading to corrosion. The metal reacts with acids to form aluminium salts and hydrogen gas. This reaction is more pronounced with strong acids and can be quite vigorous, especially with hot, concentrated acids.

50. Why is aluminium used in some types of explosives?

Aluminium powder is used in some explosives as a fuel component. When finely divided, aluminium can react rapidly with oxygen, releasing a large amount of energy. This property is utilized in certain types of thermobaric weapons and pyrotechnics.

51. How does aluminium contribute to the field of nanotechnology?

In nanotechnology, aluminium nanoparticles have various applications. They can be used in sensors, in enhancing the properties of composite materials, and in some catalytic processes. Aluminium oxide nanoparticles are also used in sunscreens and other products due to their UV-blocking properties.

52. What is the role of aluminium in the human immune system?

Aluminium has no known biological role in the human immune system. However, aluminium salts (alum) are used as adjuvants in some vaccines to enhance the immune response. The exact mechanism of how aluminium adjuvants work is still a subject of research.

53. How does aluminium behave at extremely low temperatures?

At extremely low temperatures, aluminium becomes superconducting. This occurs at about 1.2 Kelvin (-271.95°C) for pure aluminium. In this state, it conducts electricity with zero resistance, a property that has potential applications in advanced technologies.

54. Why is aluminium sometimes used in quantum computing research?

Aluminium is used in some quantum computing research due to its superconducting properties at very low temperatures. Superconducting aluminium can be used to create qubits, the basic units of quantum information, in certain types of quantum computers.

55. How does the presence of aluminium in the body relate to bone health?

High levels of aluminium in the body can interfere with calcium metabolism and bone formation. Some studies suggest that excessive aluminium exposure might contribute to reduced bone density and increased risk of fractures, particularly in individuals with kidney problems who can't efficiently eliminate aluminium.