Ionization and electron acquisition help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around homework questions related to the ionization of aluminum and the acquisition of electrons by sulfur to form the sulfide ion. Participants seek clarification on how to write the appropriate chemical equations, including phases and charges.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the homework questions regarding the ionization of aluminum and the formation of the sulfide ion.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on what the original poster has attempted and where they are stuck.
  • A participant suggests that understanding the process of ionization is crucial and recommends reviewing ionization and ionization potential.
  • Further clarification is provided on how to set up the ionization equations for aluminum, including the physical states and energy values that should be included.
  • One participant reports successfully completing the homework after receiving assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for clarity in writing chemical equations and the importance of understanding ionization, but there is no consensus on the specific details of the homework questions until assistance is provided.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the teacher's expectations and the format required for the equations, indicating a potential lack of clarity in the assignment instructions.

chuck35lopez
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I have a couple questions on my homework that I am stuck on.
1. Write the equations that represent the first three ionizations of the aluminum atom. Be sure to include phases and charges.
2. Write the equations that represent the acquisition of the two electrons of the sulfur atom forming the sulfide (S 2-) ion. Be sure to include phases and charges.

Thanks in advance to anybody who can help! I don't mesh well with my teacher!
 
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chuck35lopez said:
I have a couple questions on my homework that I am stuck on.
1. Write the equations that represent the first three ionizations of the aluminum atom. Be sure to include phases and charges.
2. Write the equations that represent the acquisition of the two electrons of the sulfur atom forming the sulfide (S 2-) ion. Be sure to include phases and charges.

Thanks in advance to anybody who can help! I don't mesh well with my teacher!
What do you have so far? Where are you stuck?
 
I don't even know where to start with this! I have never had problems with a teacher until this one, and I just cannot understand what she explains at all.
 
chuck35lopez said:
I don't even know where to start with this! I have never had problems with a teacher until this one, and I just cannot understand what she explains at all.
Okay. Do you understand the process of ionization? If not, I would read up on ionization and ionization potential first.

Basically, you're taking an atom/ion and adding energy (ionization energy/potential) to remove an electron.
 
OK, I understand ionization, but I what I don't get is what my teacher is asking for, and how do I set up an equation?
 
chuck35lopez said:
OK, I understand ionization, but I what I don't get is what my teacher is asking for, and how do I set up an equation?
Your teacher is asking you to write the ionization formulae from \text{Al} \xrightarrow~\text{Al}^{+}, \text{Al}^{+} \xrightarrow~\text{Al}^{2+}, and \text{Al}^{2+} \xrightarrow~\text{Al}^{3+}. Phase means physical state (solid/liquid/gas). Include energies (e.g. 2600 kJ/mol) in the equations, and ensure they're on the proper side of the formula.
 
Last edited:
Alright, I got it done. It wasn't easy, but its finished. LOL. Thank you very much for the help!
 

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