What is the formula and name of the compound formed between Al and O? Select one: Al2O3; Aluminum Oxide Al2O3; Di Aluminum Trioxide Al2O3; Aluminum (III) Oxide Al2O3; Aluminum Oxide
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct formula and name of the compound formed between aluminum (Al) and oxygen (O) is Al2O3; Aluminum Oxide.
Explanation:
When aluminum reacts with oxygen, it forms a compound in which aluminum atoms are bonded to oxygen atoms. The basic formula for this compound is Al2O3, which means it contains two aluminum atoms for every three oxygen atoms. The compound is called aluminum oxide.
Aluminum (Al) is a metal and typically forms a +3 charge (Al^3+) when it reacts with other elements. Oxygen (O), on the other hand, usually forms a -2 charge (O^2-). To balance these charges in the compound, two aluminum ions (each with a +3 charge) combine with three oxide ions (each with a -2 charge). This creates a neutral compound, with the overall charge balancing out as follows:
- The total positive charge from two aluminum ions: 2 × (+3) = +6
- The total negative charge from three oxide ions: 3 × (-2) = -6
This results in a neutral compound with the formula Al2O3.
The name aluminum oxide is derived from the names of the two elements involved: aluminum and oxygen. The prefix “oxide” indicates that the compound contains oxygen. The name “Aluminum Oxide” is simple and widely accepted, but you might also come across terms like “Aluminum (III) Oxide” to reflect the oxidation state of aluminum (+3), and “Di Aluminum Trioxide” as a more systematic naming convention. However, the most common and widely used name is aluminum oxide.
