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Write the electron configuration (s, p, etc.) of the aluminium ion (Al³⁺). - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question a - 2008

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Write the electron configuration (s, p, etc.) of the aluminium ion (Al³⁺).

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write the electron configuration (s, p, etc.) of the aluminium ion (Al³⁺). - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question a - 2008

Step 1

Write the electron configuration of neutral aluminium (Al)

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Answer

Neutral aluminium has an atomic number of 13, which means it has 13 electrons. The electron configuration of Al is:

1s22s22p63s23p11s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^1

Step 2

Determine the electron configuration for Al³⁺

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Answer

The aluminium ion (Al³⁺) indicates that the aluminium atom has lost 3 electrons. These electrons are typically removed from the highest energy levels first. Therefore, we remove two electrons from the 3s subshell and one from the 3p subshell:

1s22s22p61s^2 2s^2 2p^6

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