True or False: Aluminum's major disadvantage is its tendency to stretch when it is heated.

The statement is true because aluminum does indeed have a tendency to expand when heated, which can lead to stretching and deformation under certain conditions. This property is primarily due to its thermal expansion characteristics. Aluminum has a high coefficient of thermal expansion compared to other metals, meaning that it expands significantly when the temperature rises.

This can become a disadvantage in applications where aluminum is used as a structural element, particularly in environments where temperature fluctuations are common. For example, if aluminum components are incorporated into a system or assembly where precise dimensions are critical, heating can cause unwanted changes in shape or alignment. This makes it an important consideration for engineers and arborists working with aluminum in utility applications, as they must take into account the potential issues related to heat and expansion when planning installations or repairs.

While aluminum's lightweight nature and resistance to corrosion are advantages, its tendency to stretch when heated underscores the need for careful selection and design in applications where temperature variations could impact performance.