Difference Between Iron and Aluminium

Iron vs Aluminium

Iron and Aluminium are different metals that exhibit varying properties. Both the metals ‘“ Iron and Aluminium come with different molecular mass, atomic weight and atomic numbers. They also come up with difference in the chemical and physical properties.

One of the first differences that one can come across between the two metals is that iron is heavier than Aluminium. Aluminium has only a specific weight of 2.7 g/cm3, which is much lower than iron. This low weight makes Aluminium a better metal for use in various machines.

Since prehistoric times, iron has been in use. Whereas Aluminium was discovered by Hans Christian in 1825. While Aluminium has an atomic number of 13 and an atomic weight of 26.981539 g mol, Iron has an atomic number of 26 and an atomic weight of 55.845 g mol. Iron is represented in the Periodic table as Fe (derived from ferrum in Latin). Aluminium is represented by the symbol Al (derived from Latin Alumen).

When comparing the melting point, iron comes with a higher melting point of 1535 degree Celsius. N the other hand, Aluminium has a melting point of 660.37 degree Celsius. When talking of boiling points, iron has a slight edge over Aluminium. When the boiling point of Iron stands at 2750°C, the boiling point of Al is 2467 degree Celsius.

Well, another difference that can be seen is that Iron is magnetic and Aluminium is nonmagnetic. When comparing the prices, Aluminium is more expensive than Iron. This is because extraction of Aluminium from its ore is quite expensive than extraction of Iron from its ore. However, Aluminium is the most abundant metal available in the earth.

Aluminium is a better conductor of electricity than Iron. Al is also more ductile than iron. In terms of malleability, Aluminium is second among metals. It is also placed sixth in terms of ductility.

Summary

1. Aluminium is lighterthan iron.

2. Aluminium is the most abundant metal available in the earth.

3. Iron is magnetic and Aluminium is nonmagnetic

4. Aluminium has an atomic number of 13 and an atomic weight of 26.981539 g mol, Iron has an atomic number of 26 and an atomic weight of 55.845 g mol.

5. Iron has a higher boiling and melting point than Aluminium.

6. Aluminium is more expensive than Iron.

7. Aluminium is a better conductor of electricity and more ductile than Iron.