Here's why:
* Aluminum's electron configuration: Aluminum has an atomic number of 13, meaning it has 13 protons and 13 electrons. Its electron configuration is 2-8-3, with three electrons in its outermost shell (valence electrons).
* Losing valence electrons: When an atom loses electrons, it becomes a cation (positively charged ion). This is because the atom now has more protons than electrons, resulting in a net positive charge.
* Aluminum ion: Since aluminum loses three electrons, it becomes Al³⁺. The "3+" superscript indicates the positive charge of the ion.
This process is crucial in the formation of ionic compounds where aluminum ions bond with negatively charged anions to create a stable, neutral compound.
