Ionic Bonding?

Question

1. Where do electrons lost by metal atoms during the formation of ions come from?
a) The highest occupied energy level.
b) The lowest occupied energy level.
c) The inner shell.

2. The electronic structure of aluminium is 2,8,3 - what is the electronic structure of an aluminium ion, Al³+?
the + should be on the same size as 3 and it is after it.
a) 2,8,3+
b) [2,8,3]+
c) [2,8]³+

Please explain the answers after you answered them that will be really helpful. thanx

Answer 1

The first answer is "a". Electrons in the highest occupied energy level (called the valence energy level) are the most easily removed during oxidation (loss of electrons). Electrons in the valence orbitals are the furthest in average distance from the nucleus and due to electron shielding, are held only weakly to the atom.

Both the inner shell and the lowest occupied energy level have electrons close to the nucleus and very tightly bound and difficult to remove.

The second answer is "c". The three valence electrons are removed creating an ion with a noble gas configuration [2,8] or 1s2, 2s2, 2p6 (neon). Since three electrons are removed, the ion carries an overall charge of +3

Answer 2

The highest energy electrons are those on the outside, and it is they that are lost.

So you lose the outer three in Al, and it becomes [2,8]3+.