When we are thinking about elements and their types, we will hear words like metal, nonmetal, and metalloid. Now that we know where to place aluminum, we can also understand its properties and uses well. So, let’s begin our journey into the land of elements and see where aluminum is situated.
Let’s start first by defining what metals, nonmetals, and metalloids are. Generally, metals are shiny, have good heat and electricity conductivity properties, and can be easily shaped. Some of the examples of metals are iron, gold, and copper. Nonmetals are those that possess no metallic characteristics. It can either be in a gas, liquid, or solid.
Generally, they do not have very good electricity conductivity. They neither shine. An example of this is sulfur. Metalloids are compounding whose property bridges or crosses through metals and nonmetals. Silicon is the best example of a metalloid, sometimes a semiconductor; it conducts electricity far better than any other element but not far better as compared to metal.
Aluminum’s Classification
Considering all the properties of aluminum, it goes very easily into our thoughts that it falls into the category of metal. It is shining and silvery-gray colored. Moreover, it is a good conductor of electricity. That is why it finds applications mostly in the components of electrical wiring. It is because of these properties that aluminum falls into the category of a metal.
Aluminum is light but strong. This has been very handy for many applications. For example, aluminum is used in making airplanes, cars, and beverage cans. Its usage in vehicles and airplanes translates to saving a lot of fuel since it weighs less than most other metals. Therefore, classifying it as a metal makes perfect sense regarding its behavior and utilization.
Unique Properties of Aluminum
Resistance to Corrosion
Aluminum also has excellent corrosion resistance. This is quite a wonderful resistant property because most metals corrode or degrade in most conditions. Aluminum forms an oxide layer protecting it from probable corrosion upon exposure to air. Hence, aluminum will be a very good material for outdoor applications like window frames and siding.
Versatility in Manufacturing
Another reason for discussion, too, is that aluminum is a ductile material. It can easily be pulled out into highly thin sheets or complex designs; it could also be due to malleability, the nature of metal because, in manufacturing, it could be rolled to sheet forms or molded to its respective desired forms.
Aluminum and Sustainability
In addition, aluminum can be recycled too. Well, this is really an advantage in a sustainable world today. Recycling aluminum does not require as much energy as what is needed to manufacture the new aluminum from raw materials. This saves not only energy but also the environmental impacts.
One might wonder whether aluminum has some properties of the nonmetals or metalloids. Obviously, it is somewhat different from the heavier metals. It does not ring when it is hit; this is a property of metals such as copper or silver. Still, that is not enough to remove its basic classification as a metal.
Aluminum on the Periodic Table
So, where is aluminum on the periodic table? Aluminum is group 13 and period 3. So that puts it, for example, in the same family as gallium and indium. All those metals, of course, so the positioning on the periodic table helps to further confirm aluminum as a metal.
Metal Vs. Nonmetal
Aluminum is a metal for the following reasons: it is an effective conductor of heat and electricity. It’s hard, ductile, malleable, and glossy. Aluminum is heated for the purpose of boiling; hence, the temperature is high. Aluminum could be a silvery-white, light metal.
It’s soft and pliable. Several products include atomic number 13, including cans, foils, room utensils, window frames, beer kegs, and aviation components.
Metals:
- Metals are often good conductors of heat and electricity.
- They are progressive, opaque, glossy, lustrous, malleable, and ductile.
- Metals often form ionic connections.
Non-Metals:
- Nonmetals are commonly used as innovative heat and electrical insulators.
- They are often fragile and have a drab appearance.
- Nonmetals typically form covalent complexes.
Aluminum as a Metal
From all these properties, it is clear that aluminum is a metal. So, all the characteristic properties of metals, which include conductivity, malleability and luster, are found in aluminum, and that is why aluminum is used in all industries. It is lightweight and it is resistant; hence the manufacturers look for durable, but light products.
In a nutshell, studying the category of aluminum teaches much more about not just aluminum but materials and their behaviors in different environments. Thus, there is probably great awareness of the fact that aluminum plays an enormously important role in modern technology, transportation, and packaging. It is found in the cans we throw into the recycling bin to airplane wings that fly above the clouds; knowing its classification makes us admire it even more.
Conclusion:
Summed all, aluminum is soundly in the class of metals. Having all such properties and uses would bring worth in our lives it should be valued. Indeed, more applications and working on them can keep this element fabulous with the passage of time.
Is aluminum metal, nonmetal or metalloid, is a long debate and study, for more information, you can get in touch with Existicaret 24/7! It’s not something small; being a metal is extraordinary, but a good enough reason why aluminum does things that well.
The next time you open an aluminum can or walk through an aluminum-framed building, you can appreciate knowing that you are indeed using and interacting with some real metal-the essence of our modern life.
