Aluminum oxide has the empirical formula Al2O3. For formation of this compound, aluminum atoms lose electrons that are gained by oxygen atoms.
(a) Write balanced symbolic equations showing the formation of the cation(s) from aluminum atoms and the anion(s) from oxygen atoms.
(b) Draw Lewis symbols for the Al3+ and O2− ions, explicitly indicating all electrons and charges.
(c) Calculate the total number of electrons transferred from aluminum atoms to oxygen atoms when one formula unit of Al2O3 is produced.
(d) Explain why the stoichiometry Al2O3 satisfies overall charge neutrality, referencing the charges of the ions and the principle of electron conservation.
(e) Discuss how the octet principle rationalizes the preferred charges on aluminum and oxygen in this compound.
a. Part (a)
b. Part (b)
c. Part (c)
d. Part (d)
e. Part (e)