The metal used as a packaging material is

1. Analyze the question The question asks which metal is commonly used as a packaging material. Think about everyday packaging: foil wraps, beverage cans, food trays, and sachets.

2. Explain the concept A good packaging metal should be:

• Light in weight
• Resistant to corrosion (it forms a protective oxide layer)
• Malleable and ductile, so it can be rolled into thin sheets (foil)
• Non-toxic
• Cheap and easy to recycle

3. Evaluate the options

• A. Al (Aluminium): It is light, malleable and corrosion-resistant because of a thin, tough layer of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃). It is non-toxic and is used for foil, drink cans, and food containers. It fits every requirement.
• B. Cu (Copper): It is a good conductor of electricity and heat, so it is used for wires and cooking vessels. It is expensive and heavy, and it is not a typical packaging material.
• C. Fe (Iron): It rusts easily and is heavy. Steel (iron coated with tin) is used for some tin cans, but pure iron is not used for packaging.
• D. Na (Sodium): It is a highly reactive metal that reacts violently with water and is stored under kerosene. It cannot be used for packaging.

4. Answer The correct option is A. Al (Aluminium).

5. Exam tip Link the uses to the properties:

• Aluminium → packaging (foil, cans), aircraft parts, cooking pots
• Copper → electrical wiring
• Iron → construction, tools
• Sodium → a reactive metal, used in sodium vapour lamps and as a coolant

Remember "Al = light and wraps things," and you will get this one right.