Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Section
Uses of aluminium
19 practice questions
Practice questions
1–8 of 8 · Normal
Question 1
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State why pure aluminium is rarely used for making structures. Briefly explain how adding other elements strengthens aluminium alloys.
Question 2
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The diagram below shows a cross-section of a wire made from aluminium.
Cross-section of aluminium wire with oxide layer (a)[1 mark]What is the chemical name of the oxide layer that forms on aluminium?
(b)[1 mark]State how this oxide layer protects aluminium from corrosion.
(c)[2 marks]Explain one practical use of aluminium that relies on its resistance to corrosion.
Question 3
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A company is designing lightweight power cables using aluminium. Each cable must have a mass of no more than 2.70 kg per metre. The density of pure aluminium is 2.70 g/cm³.
(a)[2 marks]Calculate the volume, in cm³, of aluminium in 1 metre of this cable.
(b)[1 mark]Explain why using aluminium, rather than copper (8 = 8.96 g/cm³), is suitable for lightweight cables.
Question 4
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain, using ideas about atomic structure, why aluminium alloys are harder than pure aluminium. Include reference to the effect of atomic size differences.
Question 5
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Effect of surface treatments on aluminium corrosion resistance Sample Surface treatment Observations after 1 month outside A None (bare aluminium) No visible change B Surface scratched White, powdery spots appear C Coated with oil No visible change Study the table above, which shows different treatments applied to aluminium samples left outside.
(a)[1 mark]Suggest why the untreated (bare) sample did not show corrosion after a month.
(b)[2 marks]Explain why scratching the surface resulted in white, powdery spots.
(c)[1 mark]What does the result for the oil-coated sample show about the use of oil as a protective measure?
Question 6
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which property of aluminium makes it particularly suitable for use in overhead electricity cables?
- A.Low melting point
- B.High electrical conductivity
- C.Magnetic property
- D.Forms a coloured oxide
Question 7
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Describe what happens to the movement of the layers of atoms in aluminium when it is alloyed. Explain why this affects the strength of the metal.
Question 8
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A student compares aluminium and iron for use in outdoor bicycle frames.
(a)[1 mark]Suggest one property of aluminium that makes it especially good for outdoor frames.
(b)[1 mark]Name the substance that makes aluminium resistant to corrosion.
(c)[2 marks]Describe how this substance forms and protects the aluminium beneath.