Iron and aluminum are two metallic elements with chemically different properties. Both metals are commonly found in earth and are very useful in various industries. In fact, they are two of the the most commonly used metals in industry. Both these metals are susceptible to corrosion and can be recycled.
What is the difference between iron and aluminum? Iron is denser, stronger, and harder than aluminum.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Iron
– Definition, Features
2. What is Aluminum
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Iron and Aluminum
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Iron and Aluminum
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Iron and Aluminum
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Iron, Aluminum, Metal
What is Iron
Iron is a silvery white metallic element with the chemical symbol Fe. Iron is a transition metal. Its atomic number is 26. It is the fourth most abundant element found on the Earth’s crust. Iron is highly reactive. Rust is iron oxidized in the presence of air. Hence, iron exhibits a variety of oxidation states. The most common oxidation states of iron are +2 and +3. Therefore, iron can form many compounds with other elements, such as iron (II) oxide, iron (III) oxide, and iron (II) sulfate. It reacts with acids and produces hydrogen gas.
Iron is an essential element for life. It is a component of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. Iron is used in many industries and has many uses. It is used in construction, infrastructure, machinery, and automotive industries. Iron is also used as a catalyst in some reactions. It is used in certain electronic components, such as magnetic cores. Moreover, iron is a micronutrient essential for plant growth; hence, it is used in fertilizers.
What is Aluminum
Aluminum is a silvery white element with the chemical symbol Al. Its atomic number is 13. Its abundance on the Earth‘s crust is high. It reacts with oxygen, forming an oxide layer on top of it. The most common oxidation state of aluminum is +3. Sometimes, it exhibits +1 and +2 oxidation states. Aluminum ions can form complexes with various ligands, such as water, hydroxide ions, and organic molecules. It also forms compounds with various other metals, such as aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, and aluminum sulfate.
Aluminium has many uses across various industries, such as in building materials, structural components, ships, aircraft, engine blocks, cylinder heads, wheels, cans, foils in packaging, wires and conductors, appliances, kitchenware, electronics, heat sinks, pigments and in pharmaceuticals.
Similarities Between Iron and Aluminum
- Iron and aluminum are abundant metals.
- Both are susceptible to corrosion.
- Both metals can be recycled.
Difference Between Iron and Aluminum
Definition
- Iron is a silvery white metallic element with the chemical symbol Fe and atomic number 26, while aluminum is a silvery white element with the chemical symbol Al and atomic number 13.
Density
- Iron is denser than aluminum.
Strength
- Iron is stronger and harder than aluminum.
Malleability
- Iron is less malleable than aluminum.
Cost
- Iron is usually less costly than aluminum.
Rust
- Iron is more susceptible to rusting than aluminum.
Conclusion
Iron and aluminum are two metallic elements abundantly found on Earth’s crust. They are chemically different. The basic difference between iron and aluminum is that iron is denser, stronger, and harder than aluminum. Both are used widely in various different industries.
FAQ: Iron and Aluminum
1. Is iron or aluminum heavier?
Iron is heavier than aluminum. This is because iron atoms are denser, which means that they pack more tightly together than aluminum atoms.
2. Does aluminum last longer than iron?
Yes, aluminum generally lasts longer than iron. This is because aluminum is more resistant to corrosion, especially in environments with moisture and oxygen.
3. What is the strongest metal?
Tungsten is often considered the strongest metal. It has a high melting point and is extremely resistant to corrosion.
4. Can aluminum rust?
Aluminium is known for its resistance to rust. However, it can still corrode under certain conditions, such as exposure to strong acids or alkalis or when it comes into contact with other metals.
5. Which rusts faster, iron or aluminum?
Iron rusts faster than aluminum. This is because iron reacts more readily with oxygen and water to form iron oxide. Aluminium is known for its resistance to rust.
Reference:
1. “Iron – Chemical Element.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
2. “Aluminum.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Iron electrolytic and 1cm3 cube” By Alchemist-hp (talk) (www.pse-mendelejew.de) – Own work (FAL) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Aluminium” By Unknown author – (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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