You're right to be thinking about the relationship between protons and ions! Here's why you can't make an Al³⁺ ion by adding protons:

* Protons define the element: The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines what element it is. Aluminum (Al) always has 13 protons. Adding a proton would change the element from aluminum to silicon (Si).

* Ions form by losing or gaining electrons: Ions are formed when an atom gains or loses electrons, not protons. Aluminum (Al) becomes a +3 ion (Al³⁺) by losing three electrons.

To summarize:

* Changing the number of protons changes the element itself.

* Aluminum ions (Al³⁺) form by losing electrons, not gaining protons.