Are you unsure of the difference between aluminum and magnesium? Both are metals, but they have different properties. This blog post will outline the key differences between the two metals. Read on to learn more!
What is Aluminum?
Aluminum is a lightweight metal that is found in abundance in the earth’s crust. It is widely used in a variety of industries due to its many advantageous properties, such as its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and conductivity. Aluminum can be recycled multiple times without losing any of its original quality, making it an environmentally friendly material. It is also non-toxic and non-magnetic. Aluminum has a wide range of applications, including in transportation, construction, packaging, and electronics.
What is Magnesium?
- Magnesium metal is a light, SILVER-WHITE, ductile alkaline earth metal. Magnesium is the eighth-most abundant element in the Earth’s crust and the fourth most common element in the Earth as a whole. Magnesium ores are found in many mineral deposits, including dolomite, carnallite, and talc. Magnesium is used in high-strength alloys and as an aluminum alloying element.
- Magnesium compounds are used as fireproofing agents, drying agents, refractory materials, lubricants, chemical reagents, and herbicides. Magnesium metal is produced by reducing magnesium oxide or magnesium chloride with calcium metal. Magnesium is used in flash photography, flares, fireworks, and sparklers. When burning in the air, magnesium produces a brilliant white light that is used in signal flares and sparkling effects in fireworks displays.
- Magnesium powder is used as a fuel for model rockets and toy balloons. Magnesium ribbon is used as a heat source for igniting thermite mixtures. Magnesium sulfate is used as a bath salt and delivery system for drugs that are poorly soluble in water.
Difference between Aluminum and Magnesium
Aluminum and magnesium are both lightweight metals that have a variety of applications. However, there are several key differences between these two materials. Aluminum is much more abundant than magnesium, making it the cheaper option. Magnesium also has a higher strength-to-weight ratio, making it the better choice for applications where weight is a concern.
Magnesium is also more resistant to corrosion than aluminum. Finally, aluminum can be recycled more easily than magnesium. As a result, Aluminum and magnesium each have their own advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when selecting a material for a particular application.
Conclusion
Magnesium is a more reactive metal than aluminum. When magnesium comes into contact with water, it will quickly corrode and produce hydrogen gas. Aluminum, on the other hand, reacts much more slowly to water and doesn’t produce hydrogen gas. This is why you’ll see boats made of aluminum – they don’t corrode as quickly as boats made of magnesium would.
