Question

Aluminium is used for making cooking utensils. Which of the following properties of aluminium are responsible for it?
(i) Good thermal conductivity
(ii) Good electrical conductivity
(iii) Ductility
(iv) High melting point

(A) (i) and (ii)
(B) (i) and (iii)
(C) (ii) and (iii)
(D) (i) and (iv)

Answer 1

Aluminium is a metal of group 13. It loses its electrons to achieve noble gas configuration. Its electronic configuration is $1{{s}^{2}}2{{s}^{2}}2{{p}^{6}}3{{s}^{2}}3{{p}^{1}}$ . Based on this, many properties can be analysed for aluminium and from there, we can evaluate its uses and applications in daily life.

Complete step by step solution:
-Let us look at the properties mentioned in the question first. Aluminium has all of the mentioned properties. So we cannot eliminate any option from the properties. So, we need to see the application for which the properties are asked.
-Aluminium has a broad range of physical and chemical properties and so it is called magical metal. It has low weight, around one-third wt. of iron. It is malleable and ductile. So it can be drawn into wires and beaten into sheets. It is corrosion-resistant. It is a good thermal and electrical conductor.
-The main point to be noted is that aluminium is a highly reactive element and still it is used for making cooking utensils. The reason is that aluminium has a very high affinity for oxygen. So, it reacts with oxygen and forms a layer of aluminium oxide on its surface. Due to this layer, no reaction can occur further as the reactants are not able to make contact with aluminium.
-The benefits of using aluminium are-
High strength, less weight, high durability, good malleability and ductility, odourless, good conductivity and non-combustibility. Alao, it can completely be recycled without losing its true natural properties. So, it can efficiently be used in all the industries.
-For cooking, we need a metal which remains stable even at high temperature. It means that the metal should have a high melting point else it would not be able to retain its shape on heating. Also, if the food can be cooked without much heat loss, then it is more convenient. So, the metal should have good thermal conductivity for that purpose.

Therefore, the correct option is D. good thermal conductivity and high melting point.

Note: Aluminium is the third most abundant element present on earth. It is used in industries like architectural, transportational, consumer goods and electrical industries. It also has low density. It is also used as heat sinks in electrical appliances.