Question

Aluminium is a quite reactive metal according to its position in the activity series, yet it is used for making window frames and cooking utensils. Explain why?

Answer 1

• Aluminium $\left(\mathrm{Al}\right)$ is highly reactive as per its position in the activity series, even it reacts with the oxygen present in air forms a thin coating of Aluminium oxide $\left(A{l}_2{O}_3\right).$
• After the thin layer of oxide formation it won't allow Aluminium to react further with air which makes it more stable.
• $\mathrm{Al}$ is a long-lasting and very lightweight metal.
• Aluminium is a good conductor of heat, it is utilized for making cooking vessels.
• Thus due to formation of thin coating of oxide which prevents further reactivity of $\mathrm{Al}$ , it is used for making window frames and cooking utensils.