Question

100 points! Formation of an Ion

Aluminum is one of the most common elements in Earth's crust, yet it is never found as a pure element in nature. That is, aluminum atoms are always combined with atoms of other elements, such as oxygen. An aluminum oxide compound you will recognize by its name is the gemstone called "ruby". Its chemical formula is

Al2O3

If every oxygen ion (combined with an aluminum ion) has a charge of -2, what must the charge of each aluminum ion be? How can you tell this? Also, what has to happen to an uncharged aluminum atom so that it will bond with oxygen?

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Answer 1

Given the chemical formula Al2O3 and every oxygen ion (combined with an aluminum ion) has a charge of -2, the total negative charge is -2x3 = -6.

As Al2O3 is neutral, the total positive charge must be 6. The charge of each aluminum ion is 6/2 = 3.

An uncharged aluminum atom must lose 3 electrons so that it will bond with oxygen.

Answer 2

Al belongs to group III elements in periodic table so it forms Al3+ ion. check w the formula Al2O3: 2x(+3) from Al = +6 which equal to 3x(-2) from O. so its balanced.

Al ionizes from neutral to Al3+ and 3 e- to bond w O.