Final answer:
In the formation of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), a total of 6 electrons are transferred, with two aluminum atoms each losing 3 electrons and three oxygen atoms each gaining 2 electrons to maintain electrical neutrality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the transfer of electrons in the formation of aluminum oxide, an ionic compound. The formation of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) involves the transfer of electrons from aluminum atoms to oxygen atoms to create ions that will combine to form a neutral compound. Each aluminum atom loses three electrons becoming Al3+ ions, and each oxygen atom gains two electrons becoming O2- ions. Since we need the compound to be electrically neutral, two Al3+ ions (a total of 6 positive charges) will balance with three O2- ions (a total of 6 negative charges).
Therefore, for every two aluminum atoms (2 x 3), a total of 6 electrons are transferred to three oxygen atoms (3 x 2), also totaling 6 electrons received. The correct answer to the question is D) 6 electrons are transferred in the formation of aluminum oxide.