Origins of the Name The word, Aluminum originates from the ancient Latin word for alum, lumen, which is potassium aluminum sulfate, meaning “bitter salt”. We pronounce the element of aluminum’s name as follows, al-huh-min-e-um, which conforms to the PUPAS pronunciation of the word, with the regular ‘Tums’ ending of majority of the elements of the periodic table. The History Aluminum was first discovered in 1825, by early discoverer, Hans Christian Rested in Denmark.
Before this time, alum (the Ancient Latin word for Aluminum) was readily used throughout society for a multitude of reasons, such as a mordant in Yemeni, a tanner for sun exposure, and as an astringent for medical purposes. Historically, it all began in the year of 1761, when scientist, De Moreover, proposed the name alumina for the base element found in alum. In 1807, Dave put forth his proposal on the name of aluminum for the element that was yet to be discovered.
Alternatively, Al-27, is the most common isotope of aluminum which accounts for almost 100% of all natural traces of the element, as it has a stable nucleus. Properties Aluminum possesses many unique properties, those of which have very strong resemblance to those of metals, however do relate partially to non-metals. Aluminum has a very dulled appearance, and presents with a silvery, white exterior knish in colored pigment. The base form of aluminum itself has both a low density, yet high ductility, meaning it can be stretched to form long wires and coils, as well as being able to be easily cast, machined and molded.
It is also a high thermal and electrical conductor, whilst presenting excellent resistance to surface corrosion. Aluminum is paramagnetic and non-sparking, meaning that the element is not attracted to a magnet, so its magnetism under controlled conditions is extremely weak. It is also extremely enervative, and therefore non-toxic, which is why aluminum is very rarely found in its pure form, as it is so reactive to the Earth’s atmosphere. This is why it is often combined with other elements in alloys, and most commonly found to be in the form of oxides, silicates and few other salts.
Pure aluminum is soft and weak however, yet once combined with small amounts of copper, magnesium, silicon, manganese or any other element, aluminum alloys become very strong and hard. Extraction & Production Aluminum is the third most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust at about 8%, followed close behind silicon and oxygen, whilst being the only element considered o be more readily used compared to iron. Yet, aluminum is never found on its own or in its base form, as it is too radioactive when pure, which is why it is always found to be comprised with other elements to increase its property strength.
Aluminum is most commonly strengthened with what is known to be bauxite (mainly aluminum oxide), which is an aluminum ore. In order to refine aluminum from bauxite for commercial purposes, we use the Brayer extraction process, whereby bauxite is refined to pure aluminum oxide, which is mixed with crocodile and then electronically reduced to pure aluminum. Once combined with other elements however, such as iron and silicon, aluminum alloys are used in an abundance of products and structures from necessities of everyday life, to major control units for communication and transportation.
Due to its low cost, low density and corrosion resistance, many products are made with the addition of aluminum, including soft drink cans and kegs, window frames, boats and ships, automobile parts, aluminum recycling and white sparks of fireworks and sparklers. Common Uses Aluminum is commonly featured in kitchenware utensils, products and materials, such as kitchen foils and cutlery/silverware, as it has no aroma and is an excellent conductor of electricity. We can also find traces of this element in parts of airplanes, such as fuselage, like in a Boeing 747-400 fro example, which contains 66, 150 kilograms of high-strength aluminum.
Ruby gemstones are also mainly made of aluminum oxide (produced from bauxite), where a small proportion of aluminum ions have been replaced by chromium ions. Most commonly however, you will find aluminum stored in high voltage transmission lines, which are strung across highways and local roads. Although it is not as greater electrical conductor as copper, sitting at about a 60% conductivity of the comparative element per unit area of cross- section, its lightweight mass and economic sale means it can be can be twice as good of a conductor as copper due to its unique properties.
Mining The top three countries in which aluminum is mined, include Guiana, which contains the largest reserve base, then Australia, to be followed by Vietnam. It is also further produced in Australia, who lead the production line with the greatest turnover, followed by China, as well as Brazil. In fact, aluminum was once called the “Metal of Kings”, as in more recent history, it cost more than gold to purchase per bag. Bibliography BIBLIOGRAPHY Alicia, L. (n. D. ). The Element Aluminum.
