Properties & Density of Aluminum

Aluminum cans

Aluminum is a lightweight, low-density metal. It is reactive and readily forms alloys with other metals to make beverage cans, wrapping foil, electrical wires, and parts for cars, trucks and aircraft.

Elemental Aluminum

Aluminum's chemical symbol is Al and its atomic number is 13. It belongs to Group 3 on the periodic table. It is the most abundant metal in Earth's crust but does not exist free in nature. It is typically extracted from bauxite ore.

Properties

Aluminum has a shiny, silvery-white appearance. It is a soft, light, strong metal that can be easily bent and formed into a wire. Aluminum does not typically rust because a thin coating of oxide prevents it from reacting with air. It is nonmagnetic and a good electrical conductor.

Density

Density is measured in mass per volume. The density of a substance can be compared to the density of water by testing weather the substance floats or sinks. The density of aluminum is 2.7 g/ml; it floats in water. Aluminum alloys are denser and stronger than pure aluminum.

References

• Elmhurst College Virtual Chembook: Aluminum
• Chemical and Engineering News, The Periodic Table: Aluminum
• Elmhurst College Virtual Chembook: What is Density?