Aluminum

Symbol: Al

Atomic No: 13

Atomic weight: 27

Valency: 3

Electronic configuration: 1s²,2s²,2p⁶,3s²,3p¹

Position in the periodic table:Aluminum is a 'p' block element. It belongs to period 3 and group III A of the periodic table.

Important ores of aluminum

1. Bauxite
2. Feldspar
3. China clay
4. Caryolite

Properties

Physical properties

1. Aluminum is a bluish white shining metal.
2. It is the lightest metal and its specific gravity is 2.7.
3. Its melting point is 660⁰C and boiling point is 1800⁰C.
4. It is a good conductor of heat and electricity.
5. It is malleable and ductile in nature.

Chemical properties

Action with acids:

1. Aluminum reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid and dilute sulphuric acid and to give hydrogen.

   2Al + dil. 6HCl → 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂

   2Al + dil. 3H₂SO₄ → Al₂(SO₄)₃+ 3H₂

2. Aluminum reacts with hot concentrated sulphuric acid andsulphur

   2Al + conc.6H₂SO₄ → Al₂(SO₄)₃+ 3SO₂+ 6H₂O

3. Aluminum has no reaction with dilute and concentrated nitric acid.

Uses of aluminum

1. Aluminum is used for making utensils, frames, electrical appliances, etc.

   

   Fig: Aluminum utensil

   

   Fig: Aluminum frame
2. It is used for making electrical wire.

   

   Fig: Aluminum wire

3. It is used for making alloys and coins.
4. Its alloys are used for making sailboats, aircrafts, etc.
5. It is used for making aluminum foils whichis used for wrapping food, cigarette, etc.

   

   Fig: Aluminum foil

   

   Fig: Aluminum foil container