Ion Chemistry Example 4

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

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Aluminum loses 3 electrons. What ion forms, and why is its charge positive?

1
Losing 3 electrons leaves aluminum with 3 more protons than electrons, so it becomes $\text{Al}^{3+}$ .
2
The charge is positive because electrons carry negative charge. Removing them leaves an overall excess of positive charge.

Answer

\text{Al}^{3+}

Ions form when atoms gain or lose electrons. The proton count stays the same, but the electron count changes, creating a net charge.

About Ion

An atom or group of atoms that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge (cation) or net negative.

Sodium ([formula]) loses one electron. Write the ion formed and its electron configuration.

An unknown ion has 10 electrons, 8 protons, and 8 neutrons. Identify the element, write the ion symb

Predict the ion formed by each: (a) calcium, (b) fluorine, (c) aluminum.