How does aluminum react with water?

Aluminum does not react with water under normal conditions. However, when aluminum is heated, it can react with steam to form aluminum oxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction is exothermic and can be represented by the following equation: 2Al + 3H2O 鈫?Al2O3 + 3H2. This reaction is utilized in some industrial processes, but it is not a common occurrence in everyday settings. At room temperature, aluminum is protected by a thin layer of aluminum oxide that forms on its surface, which prevents further reaction with water.