Question

If bromine forms ions with a charge of -1, what is the charge on the aluminum ion in AlBr?

A. +1
B. -2
C. -1
D. +2
E. 0

Answer 1

The charge on the aluminum ion in AlBr3 is +3, balancing the total -3 charge from three bromine ions with a charge of -1 each.

Step-by-step explanation:

If bromine forms ions with a charge of -1, the charge on the aluminum ion in AlBr3 must balance the total negative charge of the bromine ions. Since each bromine ion has a charge of -1 and there are three bromine ions in the compound, the total negative charge is -3. To balance this and make the compound neutral, the aluminum ion must have a +3 charge. Therefore, the correct answer is that the charge on the aluminum ion in AlBr3 is +3.