What is the Difference Between Iron and Aluminum?

Iron and aluminum are two different chemical elements, with different physical and chemical properties.

Iron is a hard, gray, malleable metal with a melting point of about 1,535 °C (3,100 °F). It is one of the most common metals on Earth and is often used in building structures such as steel beams and bridges, as well as in automobiles, ships, and other machinery. Iron is ferromagnetic, meaning it is attracted to a magnet and can be used to create magnetic fields.

Aluminum, on the other hand, is a silvery, lightweight, malleable metal with a melting point of about 660 °C. It is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust and is often used in consumer products such as food packaging, soda cans, kitchenware and electronic components. Aluminum is not ferromagnetic, meaning it is not attracted to a magnet.

In terms of chemical properties, iron is less resistant to corrosion than aluminum. Aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion due to its protective oxide layer that forms on its surface when exposed to air. Iron, on the other hand, is susceptible to rust when exposed to moisture and oxygen.

In summary, the main difference between iron and aluminum is in their physical and chemical properties, such as density, melting point, malleability, corrosion resistance and magnetism.