Aluminum

1590 Words4 Pages

Aluminum Aluminum is one of a number of soft metals that scientists call "poor" metals. It can be shaped and twisted into any form. It can be rolled into thick plates for armored tanks or into thin foil for chewing gum wrappers. It may be drawn into a wire or made into cans. Aluminum is a generally popular metal because it does not rust and it resists wear from weather and chemicals. (Bowman, 391) Aluminum is an element. Its atomic number is thirteen and its atomic weight is usually twenty-seven. Pure aluminum melts at 660.2ºC and boils at 2500ºC. Its density is 2.7 grams per cube centimeter. Aluminum is never found uncombined in nature. (Bowman, 391) Aluminum is a very useful metal that is light, easy to shape and can be strong. This makes aluminum one of the most used metals in the world, right behind iron and steel. (Geary, 185) In its pure state, aluminum is quite weak compared to the other metals. However, its strength can be greatly increased by adding small amounts of alloying elements, heat-treating, or cold working. Only a small percentage of aluminum is used in its pure form. It is made into such items as electrical conductors, jewelry, and decorative trim for alliances and cars. A combination of the three techniques has produced aluminum alloys that, pound for pound, are stronger than structural steel. Some common metals used in alloys for aluminum are copper, magnesium and zinc.(Walker, 31) The added elements give the aluminum strength and other properties. (Newmark, 41) Aluminum is one of the lightest metals. It weighs about 168.5 pounds per cubic foot, about a third as much as steel which weighs 487 pounds per cubic foot. (Neely, 214) As a result, aluminum has replaced steel for many uses. For example, some ... ... middle of paper ... ...ives. From aluminum cans to electrical wires to computer chips, the tremendous contribution that aluminum has made is beyond calculation. Strong, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive, aluminum improves the quality of the lives of everyone. Bibliography: BIBLIOGRAPHY Advantages to Aluminum. http://www.kaiserextrusion.com/advantage.html. November 28, 2000. Aluminum Facts. http://www.epa.gov/seahome/housewaste/src/alum.htm. November,28 2000. Bowman, Kenneth A. World Book Encyclopedia. "Aluminum." Chicago: World Book, Inc., 1992. Cobb, Cathy. Creations of Fire. New York: Plenum Press, 1995 Geary, Don. The Welder's Bible. Pensilvania: Tab Books, 1993. Knapp PhD, Brian. Aluminum. Connecticut: Grolier, 1996. Newmark, Dr. Ann. Chemistry. London: Dorling Kindersley, 1993. Walker, John R. Modern Metalworking. Illinois: The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc., 1985.

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