Question

Aluminum has 13 energy levels. How many electrons are found in the outermost energy level for this atom? Which energy level is the outermost?

Answer 1

The electron configuration of an aluminum atom is 1s²2s²2p63s²3p¹. Aluminum has three valence electrons in the third energy level, (3s²3p¹). The cation, Al³+, is formed when these three valence electrons are lost, leaving the configuration for the noble gas neon, 1s²2s²2p6.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electron configuration of an aluminum atom is 1s²2s²2p63s²3p¹. Aluminum has three valence electrons in the third energy level, (3s²3p¹). The cation, Al³+, is formed when these three valence electrons are lost, leaving the configuration for the noble gas neon, 1s²2s²2p6.

Answer 2

The electrons in the outermost electron shell are called 'valence electrons'. They have the highest energy level. This means that Aluminum would have 13 valence electrons.

Best Regards, Mike