# What makes some aluminium alloys so strong while remaining light?

Compared to cast iron, for example, certain alloys of aluminum have both strength and weight advantages. How can aluminum be so strong while being so light?

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Can you be more specific on the question. Each metal has its straights and weaknesses. – Fortunato Jun 29 '11 at 22:04
Diamond is also very light and stronger than Aluminum. Lead is very heavy and soft. There is no connection between strength and density. – fffred Aug 9 '13 at 23:27

## 1 Answer

ONE thing which makes Aluminum better than steel in SOME applications is its higher Strength/Weight ratio. A big contributor to this better ratio is the much lower density of Aluminum

There are some classes of aluminum alloys which are stronger than steel alloys, but, in general, aluminum is actually a bit weaker than steel.

However, aluminum is MUCH lighter (less dense) than steel: $2.8g/cm^3$ for Al as opposed to $7.8g/cm^3$ for steel, making Al a clear winner in the strength/weight arena.

The lower density of Al is due to its lower atomic weight.

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