Final answer:
Aluminum is lighter and resists corrosion, making it suitable for applications like power lines, while iron and its alloys are stronger and used in construction and tool-making but are heavier and can corrode. The choice between them depends on the application's specific needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing iron and aluminum, each material has properties that make it easier to deal with depending on the application. Aluminum is lighter, easier to form, and does not rust, making it an excellent choice for applications that require low weight and resistance to corrosion, such as in the construction of overhead power lines. Iron, in various forms such as wrought iron or steel, is very strong and is used in applications that require strength, such as building construction and making tools. However, it is heavier and susceptible to corrosion.
In the context of extraction and recycling, aluminum is highly recyclable and requires less energy to recycle compared to producing new aluminum from ore. The extraction of aluminum by electrolysis is due to its high position in the electrochemical series, precluding the use of carbon reduction employed for iron extraction. Iron's extraction involves the reduction of iron ores in blast furnaces.