Aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminium is a very common element on earth but it is very rare to find it as a metal in the natural world.
Aluminium
Aluminium is a very useful metal because of its physical properties.
It conducts heat and electricity well. It is easily worked and can be used to make light and strong objects or machines.
Aluminium
Aluminium is extracted by dissolving its ore in another molten material at around 1000 degrees Celsius. Then an electric current is passed through the solution and the aluminium is separated by electrolysis.
Aluminium
A great deal of electricity is used in this process, around 16000 kW per tonne
In Iceland large hydroelectric schemes provide this power.
Aluminium
Anglesey Aluminium uses electricity from the Wylfa nuclear power plant when it is not needed by the National Grid.
Aluminium
Recycling aluminium needs only 5% of the electricity that producing it from ore uses.
Recycling aluminium also means land is not needed to mine the ore or to dispose of the material when it is thrown away
Activities
Activity 1
Can you find some aluminium in your classroom?
Activity 2
Make a list of everyday things that are made of aluminium.
Activity 3
Research the information to produce a leaflet on how aluminium is made.
Activity 4
How is land used in the production of electricity by:
Hydroelectricity
Nuclear Power
Activity 5
Work out how many kWh is needed to produce 1 tonne of recycled aluminium.
Activity 6
Work out how many kWh is needed to produce 1 tonne of recycled aluminium.