Nice little article on Aluminium
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"Al-u-minium", that's how our family pronounced it when I was young, before we learned it was "aluminum". Good article. The history of aluminum and electricity generation are deeply intertwined. If I remember correctly, electricity generation started in large scale at Niagara Falls and started producing aluminum there, also in large scale. Again, if I remember correctly, later Hoover dam generated a lot of electricity which was used for for aluminum production in California. This supported the aircraft production industries that played a critical role in WWII.
It's an interesting technical thread to follow, if you're so inclined.
It's an interesting technical thread to follow, if you're so inclined.
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He's just using the [incorrect] British spelling and pronunciation.
Actually, there are several Europeans I know that do it that way, as well, and back in university, chemistry professors made it clear that either way was acceptable to them.
Actually, there are several Europeans I know that do it that way, as well, and back in university, chemistry professors made it clear that either way was acceptable to them.
Being born a Brit my instinct is to use the Brit spelling.
In spoken English I have learned to use the name Aluminum in North America to avoid confused looks.
Seeing as this article came from the BBC and they use the Brit spelling, I thought I'd use it too.
IMO neither spelling is right or wrong.
Having said that I no longer spell Tire Tyre
In spoken English I have learned to use the name Aluminum in North America to avoid confused looks.
Seeing as this article came from the BBC and they use the Brit spelling, I thought I'd use it too.
IMO neither spelling is right or wrong.
Having said that I no longer spell Tire Tyre
You're too much Spazdog!
Jeez. I spent two years in England in the early 80's and I STILL find myself using Brit spellings and pronunciations.
It's ever so confusing...
It's ever so confusing...
Originally Posted By: Schmoe
Good read. That 4:1 ratio was surprizing....wonder what they do with the left over 3 tons?
Mostly you breathe it.
The mineral form has around 3 oxygen atoms per Al atom (plus some hydrogen etc.)... the electrolytic process releases most of that.
Spare mineral matter (dross/slag) is obviously concentrated over it's "natural" form, and is either buried, used in cement/concrete (like powerstation fly ash, silica fume, and blast furnace slag)...some of the more toxic waste even makes it into your drinking water.
Good read. That 4:1 ratio was surprizing....wonder what they do with the left over 3 tons?
Mostly you breathe it.
The mineral form has around 3 oxygen atoms per Al atom (plus some hydrogen etc.)... the electrolytic process releases most of that.
Spare mineral matter (dross/slag) is obviously concentrated over it's "natural" form, and is either buried, used in cement/concrete (like powerstation fly ash, silica fume, and blast furnace slag)...some of the more toxic waste even makes it into your drinking water.
The first time I ever heard the Brit enunciation "aluminium" used was by Alain de Cadenet when he hosted the "Legends Of Motorsport" series on Speed Channel.
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