In this I/GCSE Chemistry blog post, we will look at the usages of metals, especially iron and aluminum.
Extraction of Aluminium
At the cathode: Al (l) + 3e -----> Al (l)
At the anode: 2O (l) -----> O2 (g) + 4e
Due to the high temperatures used during the extraction of aluminium the oxygen produced reacts with carbon anode to form carbon dioxide.
Aluminium is so expensive because (electrolysis):
- high operating temperatures
- a lot of electrcity needed
- maintenance - having to replace the anode
Aluminium: use---------->most important property
- aeroplane bodies ------------> high strength-to-weight radio
- overload power cables ------------> good conductor of electricity
- saucepans ------------> good conductor of heat
- food cans ----------> non-toxic
- window frames ----------> resists corrosion
Iron: use------------->most important property
- car bodies -------> strong (withstands collisions)
- iron nails ----------> strong
- ships, girders and bridges ------------> strong
That is all!
References:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fscienceaid.net%2Fchemistry%2Fapplied%2Faluminium.html&psig=AOvVaw1CoMCbrDmoSVq7QteRsO2G&ust=1629524988040000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCKjCwOTzvvICFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftechnologystudent.com%2Fdespro_3%2Faluminium1.html&psig=AOvVaw0uzHO-_kDF1mhcnXWGgPPT&ust=1629525021779000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCNDsxvPzvvICFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reliance-foundry.com%2Fblog%2Fcast-iron&psig=AOvVaw21VhXz9lRDQgjHqYcTWrM4&ust=1629525046604000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCLj0ov_zvvICFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD