Aluminium is high in the reactivity series but aluminium window frames do not corrode away. Why not?
It reacts with water to form a hydroxide layer that dissolves away
It is below hydrogen in the reactivity series so it does not react
Its atoms are joined by very strong covalent bonds in giant layers
It forms an oxide layer that acts as a barrier to air and to water
40 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Chemistry 10.3 Using materials, covering 10.3.1 Corrosion and its prevention, 10.3.2 Alloys as useful materials, and 10.3.3 Ceramics, polymers and composites. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.