When Aluminum Is Exposed to the Environment It Does Not

Multiple Choice

When aluminum is exposed to the environment it does not corrode in the same way as iron. Which of the following best explains why? Hint: Look at the chemical properties of iron and aluminum.

A) Aluminum quickly oxidizes at the surface and forms a protective coating that prevents further oxidation.
B) Aluminum is not as reactive as iron, and does not react with molecular oxygen.
C) Aluminum is not easily reduced, so it is not reduced by exposure to oxygen.
D) Aluminum normally treated with a polymer coating that prevents oxidation.
E) Aluminum reacts with water to form a hydride coating that protects the rest of the aluminum from oxidation.