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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct formula for the ionic compound formed between aluminum and bromine?
A
Al3Br2
B
AlBr3
C
AlBr
D
Al2Br3
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the charges of the ions formed by aluminum and bromine. Aluminum typically forms a +3 charge (Al^{3+}), and bromine typically forms a -1 charge (Br^{-}).
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the total positive and negative charges so that the compound is electrically neutral.
Since aluminum has a +3 charge and bromine has a -1 charge, you need three bromide ions to balance one aluminum ion, resulting in the formula AlBr_3.
Write the formula by placing the symbol of the metal (aluminum) first, followed by the symbol of the nonmetal (bromine), with subscripts indicating the number of each ion needed to balance the charges.
Verify that the total positive charge equals the total negative charge: (1 \\times +3) + (3 \\times -1) = 0, confirming the formula AlBr_3 is correct.