What lightweight metal is extracted from bauxite and commonly used in aircraft?

Bauxite is the primary ore from which aluminum is extracted. The process of extracting aluminum from bauxite involves refining the ore to produce alumina (aluminum oxide) through the Bayer process, and then reducing alumina to aluminum metal via the electrolysis method. Aluminum is known for its lightweight properties, strength, and resistance to corrosion, making it an ideal material for the aerospace industry. Its combination of low density and high strength allows for improved fuel efficiency in aircraft, which is why aluminum is extensively used in construction and manufacturing within the aviation sector.

The other metals mentioned, while also used in various applications, do not represent the primary lightweight metal derived from bauxite. Titanium, magnesium, and iron have different extraction processes, uses, and properties that make them less suitable than aluminum in the context of lightweight materials for aircraft.