Based on the provided reference concerning materials for space vehicles, metals like iron or aluminum would not be good choices.
While iron is a common and strong metal used extensively on Earth, its suitability for certain applications in space, specifically vehicles, is questionable according to the reference.
Why Iron Is Not Recommended for Space Vehicles
The primary reason highlighted in the reference for not using iron in space vehicles relates to its chemical properties and potential interaction with acids.
- Reactivity with Acids: The reference states, "Acids are on the activity series as H. So, any metal higher on the activity series will react with acid, causing our vehicle to get damaged."
- Position on Activity Series: Iron (Fe) is a metal positioned higher than Hydrogen (H) on the standard activity series. This means that iron will readily react with acids.
- Risk of Damage: This reactivity poses a significant risk. If a space vehicle made of iron encounters acidic substances, the metal would corrode or degrade, potentially leading to structural failure or other damage.
- Reference Conclusion: The reference explicitly concludes based on this chemical behavior: "Metals like iron or aluminum would not be good choices."
For comparison, the reference suggests that metals lower on the activity series than hydrogen, such as copper (Cu), silver (Ag), or gold (Au), "would be good choices" as they are less reactive with acids.
In summary, while iron might have other theoretical uses in space (e.g., found in meteorites, potential future structural components if protected), the reference specifically advises against its use in space vehicles due to its high reactivity with acids based on its position in the activity series, which could cause significant damage.
