The aluminum atom _ electrons to form an ion. The ion that is formed is __.
The Correct answer and Explanation is :
The aluminum atom loses electrons to form an ion. The ion that is formed is Al³⁺.
Explanation
Aluminum (Al) is a chemical element with atomic number 13, meaning it has 13 protons and, in its neutral state, also 13 electrons. The electron configuration of aluminum is (1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^1), indicating that it has three electrons in its outermost shell (the third shell). These outer electrons are critical for chemical bonding and ion formation.
To achieve a stable electron configuration, aluminum tends to lose its three outermost electrons (the two in the 3s subshell and one in the 3p subshell). By losing these electrons, aluminum attains the electron configuration of neon (Ne), a noble gas, which is much more stable. This process results in the formation of a positively charged ion, known as a cation. The loss of three electrons results in the aluminum ion having a charge of +3, represented as ( \text{Al}^{3+} ).
The formation of ( \text{Al}^{3+} ) is favored because it allows aluminum to achieve a full outer shell, significantly lowering its potential energy and increasing its stability. In chemical reactions, aluminum commonly forms ionic bonds by pairing with nonmetals, such as chlorine or oxygen, which gain the electrons that aluminum loses.
Aluminum’s tendency to form cations is a characteristic feature of metals, particularly those in groups 1 and 2 of the periodic table, as well as aluminum, which is found in group 13. The ability to form ions is crucial for the understanding of chemical reactivity, bonding, and the formation of compounds in chemistry. In summary, aluminum loses three electrons to form the ion ( \text{Al}^{3+} ), contributing to its role in various chemical processes and applications.