Although aluminum is a more active metal than iron, and therefore, oxidizes more quickly than iron, aluminum degrades much more slowly than iron. This is because:

There is more aluminum than iron available on the Earth.

Aluminum oxide coats the exposed aluminum surfaces preventing further corrosion.

The iron is more reactive with a greater number of environmental agents.

The iron oxide is much more soluble in water than the aluminum oxide.

Question

Giana Boyer

Chemistry

22 October, 14:50

Although aluminum is a more active metal than iron, and therefore, oxidizes more quickly than iron, aluminum degrades much more slowly than iron. This is because:

There is more aluminum than iron available on the Earth.

Aluminum oxide coats the exposed aluminum surfaces preventing further corrosion.

The iron is more reactive with a greater number of environmental agents.

The iron oxide is much more soluble in water than the aluminum oxide.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Brock Bell · Answer 1

Answer:Aluminum oxide coats the exposed aluminum surfaces preventing further corrosion.

Explanation:

Aluminum oxide forms an oxide coating when exposed to the atmosphere. This oxide coating serves as a protection to the metal and prevents further corrosion of the metal. Iron does not form such protective coating hence it tends to corrode faster than aluminum metal when both are exposed to the atmosphere simultaneously.