Why does aluminum not degrade in nature quickly?

It has a tough oxide layer

The correct answer is option 3. It has a tough oxide layer.

The reason aluminum doesn't degrade quickly in nature is 3. It has a tough oxide layer

Aluminum is actually a very reactive metal. It readily wants to combine with oxygen.However, when aluminum reacts with oxygen in the environment, a thin layer of aluminum oxide \((Al_2O_3)\) forms on its surface. This layer is very stable and tightly adheres to the aluminum. Unlike rust on iron, which flakes off and exposes fresh metal, the aluminum oxide layer is tenacious. It acts as a barrier, preventing further oxygen and moisture from reaching the underlying aluminum and slowing down degradation. Even if the oxide layer is scratched, aluminum has the ability to readily reform it, further enhancing its resistance to corrosion.

Other options are not as relevant:

1. It reacts at low temperature: Aluminum can react at various temperatures, and reactivity alone doesn't explain slow degradation.

2.It has an octet configuration: While a stable electron configuration can influence reactivity, it's not the primary factor in aluminum's resistance to corrosion.

4. It is an electronegative element: Electronegativity relates to an atom's attraction for electrons. It doesn't directly explain the formation of the protective oxide layer.