Why doesn't aluminum react like magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron?
Aluminum reacts like the elements in its group, the elements that are above and below it, such as Boron and Gallium. This is due to its valance electrons which you can find out through its electron configuration. It has 3 valance electrons, while the other elements you mentioned follow different rules due to their valance electrons. Ultimately, aluminum does not act like those because it is not in that family/group.
