aluminium

Everyday

1. Aluminium is a light, silver-coloured metal that does not rust. tree →
2. Aluminium is the metal used to make drink cans, foil, window frames and parts of planes. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons aluminium is a metal: it conducts electricity and heat, is light and can be recycled again and again. Recycling aluminium cans saves a lot of energy. A magnet does not pick up aluminium, which helps to sort cans from steel. Phrases: aluminium foil, aluminium can, kitchen foil.

Examples

• Drink cans are made of aluminium. tree →
• Wrap the sandwiches in aluminium foil. tree →
• Aluminium is light, so it is used in planes. tree →
• A magnet will not stick to an aluminium can. tree →
• We recycle aluminium cans at school. tree →
• Aluminium does not rust. tree →
• The ladder is made of aluminium. tree →

Note

Uncountable noun. British, Irish, Australian and New Zealand English: «aluminium» (al-yoo-MIN-ee-um); American and Canadian English: «aluminum» (a-LOO-mi-num). Both are correct. Trap: magnets attract iron and steel, not aluminium. Never put aluminium foil in a microwave.