Aluminium (Al)
Post-transition metal · p-block · period 3 · group 13
Light, silvery, corrosion-resistant metal.
Aluminium (symbol Al) is chemical element number 13, a post-transition metal in group 13, period 3 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 26.982 and its electron configuration is [Ne] 3s2 3p1. At room temperature it is a solid. The most abundant metal in the Earth's crust.
Properties
| Atomic number | 13 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 26.982 |
| Category | Post-transition metal |
| Block | p-block |
| Group · Period | 13 · 3 |
| Electron configuration | [Ne] 3s2 3p1 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 3 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 933.47 K |
| Boiling point | 2792 K |
| Density | 2.7 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.61 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1825 · Hans Christian Ørsted |
Key facts about Aluminium
- The most abundant metal in the Earth's crust.
- Once more precious than gold, until cheap electrolysis (the Hall–Héroult process) arrived in 1886.
- A thin, tough oxide layer forms instantly and protects the metal underneath.
- Recycling aluminium uses about 5% of the energy needed to make it from ore.
What Aluminium is used for
Aircraft and vehicle bodies, drink cans, foil, window frames, power cables, cooking foil.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Aluminium is in group 13, period 3, of the p-block. Its electron configuration [Ne] 3s2 3p1 means its outermost shell holds 3 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Aluminium on the interactive table →
Aluminium — frequently asked questions
What is Aluminium used for?
Aircraft and vehicle bodies, drink cans, foil, window frames, power cables, cooking foil.
Is Aluminium radioactive?
No. Aluminium has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Aluminium?
Aluminium has the electron configuration [Ne] 3s2 3p1, which is 2, 8, 3 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Aluminium in?
Aluminium is in group 13, period 3, in the p-block. Its outer shell holds 3 electrons.
Who discovered Aluminium?
Aluminium was discovered in 1825 by Hans Christian Ørsted.