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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, explaining the charge of an aluminum ion:
Step 2:: Understand Aluminum's Atomic Structure
- Aluminum is an element in Group 13 (IIIA) of the periodic table - Its atomic number is 13, meaning it has 13 protons in its nucleus - In its neutral state, aluminum has 13 electrons
Step 3:: Electron Configuration of Aluminum
- The electron configuration of aluminum is $$1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{1}
- Aluminum wants to achieve a stable electron configuration like noble gases
Step 4:: Electron Loss to Form Ion
- Losing 3 electrons results in a $$3^{+}$$ charge
- To become stable, aluminum tends to lose its outer electrons - It loses all 3 electrons from its 3s and 3p orbitals
Step 5:: Achieving Noble Gas Configuration
- The ion is represented as $$Al^{3+}
- By losing 3 electrons, aluminum achieves the electron configuration of neon - This makes the aluminum ion more stable
Final Answer
An aluminum ion has a 3 + charge because it loses its 3 outermost electrons to achieve a stable noble gas electron configuration.
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