by AMC
Posted on October 09, 2024 at 15:40 PM
Aluminum is a silvery-white metal found on the periodic table, classified as a metal but exhibiting some unique properties that set it apart from other metals. In this section, we will explore the characteristics of aluminum, specifically its density, along with related topics.
Aluminum is a chemical element with the atomic number 13 and is represented by the symbol Al. It occurs naturally in its raw form and has a silvery-white appearance. This non-magnetic, soft, and ductile metal belongs to the boron group.
Additionally, aluminum makes up about 8% of the Earth's crust, making it the third most abundant element after oxygen and silicon, and the most plentiful metal in the Earth's crust.
The primary ore of aluminum is bauxite. This metal is highly reactive and is commonly found combined with over 270 different minerals. Aluminum exhibits resistance to corrosion through a process known as passivation, which, along with its low density, contributes to its wide range of applications.
Aluminum alloys are particularly important in the aerospace industry, as well as in the building and transportation sectors. Among the most common and useful compounds of aluminum are its oxides and sulfates.
Density is the measure of the relationship between an object's mass and the space it occupies (volume). This concept was first discovered by the Greek scientist Archimedes. To calculate density, we divide the mass of an object by its volume (D = m / v).
The standard unit for measuring density is kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). Understanding density is essential because it helps predict how a substance will behave when interacting with others.
For example, wood floats on water because its density is lower than that of water. Conversely, when a stone is thrown into water, it sinks due to its higher density compared to water.
Density and specific gravity are related concepts. Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of an object to the density of water. Additionally, as an object occupies more space, its density decreases.
The density of aluminum is approximately 2,710 kg/m³. The density of aluminum alloys typically does not vary significantly from this value, generally falling between 2,640 kg/m³ and 2,810 kg/m³.
The density of aluminum is distinctive in several ways, making it a popular choice for various applications. Some of the key benefits of aluminum include:
Color and State | Solid, nonmagnetic, non-lustrous, silvery-white with slight bluish tint. |
Structure | Aluminum has a face-centered cubic structure that is stable up to melting point. |
Surface | Aluminum surfaces can be highly reflective. |
Hardness | Commercially pure aluminum is soft. It is strengthened when alloyed and tempered. |
Ductility | High ductility. Aluminum can be beaten very thin. |
Malleability | High malleability. Aluminum is very capable of being shaped or bent. |
Thermal Expansion | Aluminum has a thermal expansion coefficient of 23.2. This is between zinc—which expands more—and steel, which expands half the range of aluminum. |
Conductivity | Good electrical and thermal conductor. |
Corrosion | Aluminum is corrosive resistant due to a self-protecting oxide layer. |
Density | Aluminum has a low density, measured by gravity in comparison to water, of 2.70. Compare this to the density of iron/steel which has a density of 7.87 |
Melting Point and Boiling Point | Commercially pure aluminum has a melting point of approximately 1220°F and a boiling point of approximately 4,478°F. These change once aluminum is alloyed. |
Aluminum is a pure metal that was discovered in the 19th century. It can be found in various minerals, including feldspar and cryolite. Most commonly, aluminum exists in the form of bauxite, which is its primary ore.
The atomic mass of aluminum is 26.98. It has a boiling point of 2,470°C and a melting point of 660.3°C.
Elasticity in tension | Aluminum has a Young’s modulus of 10000 ksi. Compare this to copper at 17550 ksi or wood at 1595 ksi. |
Tensile strength ultimate | 13,000 Psi |
Yield strength | 5,000 Psi |
Bearing yield strength | 23100 Psi |
Elongation at break | 15-28% |
Shear Strength | 9000 Psi |
Fatigue strength | 5000 Psi |
Property | Description |
---|---|
Color and State | Solid, non-magnetic, non-lustrous, silvery-white with a slight bluish tint. |
Structure | Aluminum has a face-centered cubic structure that remains stable up to its melting point. |
Surface | Aluminum surfaces can be highly reflective. |
Hardness | Commercially pure aluminum is soft, but it becomes stronger when alloyed and tempered. |
Ductility | High ductility; aluminum can be beaten very thin. |
Malleability | High malleability; aluminum is very capable of being shaped or bent. |
Thermal Expansion | Aluminum has a thermal expansion coefficient of 23.2, between zinc (expands more) and steel (expands half the range of aluminum). |
Conductivity | Good electrical and thermal conductor. |
Corrosion | Corrosion resistant due to a self-protecting oxide layer. |
Density | Low density, approximately 2.70, compared to iron/steel, which has a density of 7.87. |
Melting Point and Boiling Point | Melting point: ~1220°F; Boiling point: ~4,478°F (values change when alloyed). |
Aluminum has a wide range of applications, including:
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Steel is one of the most widely used and essential metals for humanity. If you look around your home, you'll notice that many items contain some form of steel.