Important Physical And Chemical Properties Of Iron And Aluminium

Iron and aluminium are two very important metals that have a wide range of commercial applications. Iron is the chemical element that corresponds to the atomic number 26. It is denoted by the symbol Fe (derived from its Latin name ‘Ferrum’). On the other hand, the element aluminium has an atomic number of 13 and is commonly denoted by the symbol Al. Some important physical and chemical properties of aluminium and iron are provided in this article.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Aluminium

Aluminium corresponds to group 13 and period 3 of the modern periodic table. It is, therefore, a p-block element that belongs to the boron group. It is found naturally in large concentrations in the mineral bauxite. It can be noted that bauxite is the primary source of aluminium and gallium in the Earth’s crust. The electronic configuration of aluminium can be written as [Ne]3s²3p¹. Under standard conditions for temperature and pressure (often abbreviated to STP), aluminium is known to exist in the solid phase.

The melting point of aluminium is known to correspond to 933.47 Kelvin (which is roughly equal to 660 degrees Celsius). The boiling point of this p-block element is equal to 2743 Kelvin, which is approximately equal to 2470 degrees Celsius. Under standard conditions, the density of this metal corresponds to 2.7 grams per cubic centimetre. The oxidation states that are exhibited by this element include -2, -1, +1, +2, and +3. It can also be noted that aluminium forms amphoteric oxides when it exhibits an oxidation state of +3.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Iron

Iron belongs to group 8 and period 4 of the modern periodic table. It is widely used in the construction industry, primarily due to the high tensile strength it exhibits. Iron is a d-block element and can also be classified as a transition element. The electronic configuration of this element can be written as [Ar]3d⁶4s². The standard atomic weight of iron is known to be equal to 55.845 atomic mass units. Under standard conditions for temperature and pressure, iron is known to exist in the solid phase.

The melting point of iron is known to correspond to 1811 Kelvin, which is roughly equal to 1538 degrees Celsius. The boiling point of this transition metal is known to lie at a temperature gradient of 3134 Kelvin, or 2862 degrees Celsius. Pure iron, when exposed to humidity and oxygen for relatively long durations of time, undergoes corrosion to form rust. The chemical formula of rust is generally Fe₂O₃.3H₂O, but it must be noted that other iron oxides can also make up rust.

Under standard conditions, the density of iron is roughly equal to 7.874 grams per cubic centimetre. However, at temperatures nearing its melting point, the density of this transition metal is known to drop to 6.98 grams per cubic centimetres. It can be noted that the electronegativity of iron is equal to 1.83 on the Pauling Scale.