Question
Question: As compared to iron, aluminum has: A. higher tendency to oxidize B. less tendency to oxidize ...
As compared to iron, aluminum has:
A. higher tendency to oxidize
B. less tendency to oxidize
C. equal tendency to oxidize
D. none of above
Solution
Aluminum is indeed a more reactive element than iron. Aluminum is a metal from 13 group whereas iron is metal from 8 group. We know that oxidation means loss of electrons. One of the striking differences that one can come across between the two metals is that iron is heavier than Aluminum.
Complete step by step answer:
However aluminum in sheet form reacts with atmospheric oxygen forming a layer of alumina on its surface. The oxide layer is extremely tightly bound on the surface of aluminum; and therefore the oxide itself isn't very reactive.
Aluminum oxide is a compound with a mixture of aluminum and oxygen with the chemical formula Al2O. It can be prepared by heating the stable oxide Al2O3 with elemental silicon at 1800∘C under vacuum.
Rusting contains an iron oxide which is reddish brown oxide formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of water or air moisture
Iron oxides Fe2O3 It is one of the three main oxides of iron, the other two being iron oxide (FeO), which is rare; and iron oxide (Fe3O4), which also occurs naturally as the mineral magnetite.
As compared to iron aluminum has less tendency to oxides
Hence the correct answer to this question is option ”B”.
Additional information:
Iron and Aluminum are different metals that show different properties.
Uses of Magnetite (Fe3O4)
-It is utilized in the Haber process as a catalyst.
-It is utilized in the water-gas shift reaction.
-Its nanoparticles are utilized in MRI scanning as contrasts against it.
-It protects steel from rusting
Note: As we know iron forms many oxide but aluminum is very rare in oxides. Iron oxides and oxy hydroxides are widespread in nature and play a crucial role in many geological and biological processes. They're used as iron ores, pigments, catalysts, and in thermite, and occur in hemoglobin.