How does aluminum react with oxygen?

Aluminum reacts with oxygen to form aluminum oxide (Al2O3). This reaction is an oxidation process where aluminum loses electrons and oxygen gains them. The reaction can be represented by the equation: 4Al + 3O2 鈫?2Al2O3. Aluminum oxide forms a protective layer on the surface of aluminum, preventing further oxidation. This property makes aluminum a corrosion-resistant metal, despite its reactivity with oxygen.