I need to find 3 elements for my science hw tonight. I was wondering if aluminum foil is a pure element. And also I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of what is a pure element (not a compound or an alloy). Thanks!!!!
I'm pretty sure that the words element and pure element are exchangeable... pure element basically just emphasizes the fact that it is pure.
Aluminum metal (symbol Al, atomic # 13) is an element and therefore a pure substance. That said, if something is made out of aluminum (like aluminum foil) it is rarely pure aluminum and is typically an alloy composed of mostly aluminum with other metals. Alloys are used to improve the properties of the pure substance in various ways depending on the desired use.
Aluminum Foil is about 80 - 85% pure aluminum. But most aluminum foil products have been laminated with other substances for strength, looks etc. Aluminum Foil is close to being a Pure element. A Pure Element is a substance with only one type of particles in it. Anything on the Periodic Table of Elements, is a Pure Element. eg. Tin, Oxygen, Gold. A Compound is like H20, it is the product of a synthesis reaction. A Compound is a pure Substance but not a Pure Element An Alloy is a Solid Solution of 2 or more metallic compounds or elements. An alloy is a Homogeneous mixture. Not a Pure Element. Hope this helps.
