# Ionization and electron acquisition help!

1. Oct 30, 2006

### chuck35lopez

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!

2. Oct 30, 2006

### geoffjb

What do you have so far? Where are you stuck?

3. Oct 30, 2006

### chuck35lopez

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.

4. Oct 30, 2006

### geoffjb

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.

5. Oct 30, 2006

### chuck35lopez

OK, I understand ionization, but I what I dont get is what my teacher is asking for, and how do I set up an equation?

6. Oct 30, 2006

### geoffjb

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: Oct 31, 2006
7. Oct 31, 2006

### chuck35lopez

Alright, I got it done. It wasn't easy, but its finished. LOL. Thank you very much for the help!