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QuestionChemistry

"What is the charge of an aluminum ion? A. 2 + B. 3 + C. 2 - D. 3 -"
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step:

Step 2:
: Determine the element

- The problem is about an aluminum ion - Aluminum is a metallic element located in Group 13 (IIIA) of the periodic table

Step 3:
: Recall aluminum's electron configuration

- Its electron configuration is $$1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{1}
- Aluminum's atomic number is 13

Step 4:
: Determine ion formation

- When aluminum loses 3 electrons, it becomes a $$Al^{3+}$$ ion
- Metals in Group 13 typically lose electrons to form positive ions - Aluminum tends to lose its 3 outer electrons (3s² and 3p¹)

Step 5:
: Verify the charge

- Aluminum loses 3 electrons - This results in a 3 + charge - This corresponds to option B in the given choices

Final Answer

Key Insight: Group 13 metals typically form 3 + ions by losing their outer s and p electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.