13Al26.982
Aluminium
Post-transition metalsSofter metals with lower melting points, often used in alloys and solders.
[Ne] 3s² 3p¹
- Atomic number
- 13
- Atomic mass
- 26.982
- Protons
- 13
- Neutrons
- 14 (most common)
- Electrons
- 13
- Shells
- 2, 8, 3
- State at 25 °C
- Solid
- Position
- Group 13, period 3
Proton (+)Neutron (0)Electron (−)
Discovered byHans Christian Ørsted, 1825Hans Christian Ørsted: 1 element
Ørsted made the first impure sample. Friedrich Wöhler improved the method in 1827. For decades it was so hard to make that it cost more than gold.
Did you know?
- Napoleon III is said to have served his most honoured guests on aluminium plates.
- Recycling a can uses only a small fraction of the energy of making a new one.
Where it's found
- Bauxite ore
- Clay and many rocks: it is the most common metal in Earth's crust
What it's used for
- Foil and drink cans
- Aircraft bodies
- Window frames and cookware
Try it
Foil wireSafe at home
- 1Fold a strip of kitchen foil into a thin ribbon.
- 2Use it to connect an LED to a small battery.
What you'll see: The LED lights up: aluminium conducts electricity well.