Aluminum is a Group 3A metal. Which ion does Al typically form?

• A. Al^{+}
• B. Al^{3+}
• C. Al^{2+}
• D. Al^{3-}

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the group number of aluminum in the periodic table. Aluminum is in Group 3A (or Group 13), which means it has 3 valence electrons.
2. Recall that metals tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas.
3. Since aluminum has 3 valence electrons, it typically loses all three to form a cation with a +3 charge.
4. Write the ion formed by aluminum as \(Al^{3+}\), indicating it has lost three electrons.
5. Confirm that the other options (\(Al^{+}\), \(Al^{2+}\), \(Al^{3-}\)) do not correspond to the common oxidation state of aluminum in compounds.