What is the chemical diff. betwen the "aluminum" in elemental aluminum and the "aluminum" in aluminum sulfate?

Answer 1

Elemental aluminum consists of aluminum ATOMS (no charge); aluminum sulfate consists of Al(3+) IONS and SO4(2-) ions.

Answer 2

As you point out, aluminum Al is elemental and therefore can exist as single atoms. An aluminum atom has three "shells" of electrons orbiting it and the third (outer-most M) shell has three electrons whereas heavier atoms can hold up to 18 electrons in their M shells. That means that aluminum is an active element which has three "extra" electrons to share with another atom lacking at least three electrons in its outer shell. Aluminum sulfate is a molecule (consisting of two or more atoms sharing electrons). There is no permanent chemical difference between the aluminum in an atom or molecule since the molecule can be broken down to form pure aluminum (atoms) plus the other atoms. Specifically, what makes aluminum unique is its nucleus (protons and neutrons) which is like a tiny ball surrounded by electrons. Because only the electrons (and not the nuclei) participate in chemical reactions the aluminum atoms never lose their identity. When aluminum is part of a molecule it shares its electrons with one or more other atoms and the electrons are freely exchanged and some may actually orbit around the entire molecule rather than just their parent atom. Hope that helps a little.

Answer 3

well im not chem major but my guess would be the elemental aluminum is pure aluminum and thats it where the aluminum sulfate has traces of sulfur or sulfate if there a diffrence, you wait kinda late to find answers for homework dont ya???