Aluminum is the second element in Group 13 of the periodic table. It has an atomic number of 13 and an atomic mass of 26.98. Its chemical symbol is Al.

Aluminum is a silver-like metal with a slightly bluish tint. It has a melting point of 1,220°F (660°C), a boiling point of about 4,440°F (2,450°C), and a density of 2.708 grams per cubic centimeter. Aluminum is both ductile and malleable.

Aluminum is a very good conductor of electricity, surpassed only by silver and copper in this regard. However, aluminum is much less expensive than either silver and copper. For that reason, engineers are currently trying to discover new ways in which aluminum can be used to replace silver and copper in electrical wires and equipment.

Aluminum has one interesting and very useful chemical property. In moist air, it combines readily with oxygen to form aluminum oxide: 4Al + 3O...