Question

Give reasons.

Aluminium is a highly reactive metal, yet it is used to make utensils for cooking.

Explain why aluminium is a highly reactive metal. Still, it is used to make utensils for cooking.

Answer 1

1. Aluminium is a highly reactive metal. It reacts easily with oxygen in the air and forms a layer of aluminium oxide on its surface.
2. This aluminium oxide layer is very tough and does not allow air to enter the metal for further reaction, preventing further corrosion of aluminium.
3. Therefore, aluminium articles become unreactive towards air and water and do not corrode easily due to the presence of a strong aluminium oxide layer over them.
4. This oxide layer on aluminium is made further stronger by making it thicker through a process called anodising. This prevents corrosion to the maximum. Hence, aluminium becomes highly resistant to corrosion and is used to make cooking utensils.