Why is aluminum such a useful metal in spite of the fact that it is very reactive?Please help asap, fastest answer which is useful and answers the question wins best answer, thanks?
Aluminium quickly becomes coated with a layer of aluminium oxide which is unreactive. This means we can use it in lots of useful ways (see previous answer) without it reacting/corroding.
It is light, much lighter than iron. It is easily formed using standard machine tools. Sheet aluminum can be even cut with wood cutting blades. It does not rust. Even though aluminum corrodes, it's oxide it a strong cohesive ceramic which adheres to the metal and does not flake off. Aluminum can be used without corrosion protective coatings and will stand up to the elements. Aluminum can be easily alloyed with other metals to achieve specific, desireable properties. It is strong for it's weight and pound for pound, can replace steel. Lastly - it is abudent and not expensive and easily smelted from the raw ore using electricity.
