Aluminum oxide can be produced during rocket launches. Show that the sum of positive and negative charges in a unit of Al2O3 equals zero.

The sum of positive and negative charges in a unit of Al2O3 equals zero.

Aluminium has a charge of + 3 while Oxygen has a charge of - 2 on each ion.

Al203 has 2 Al atoms and 3 O atoms.

Charge on Al2O3 = 2 (charge on Al ion) + 3 (charge on O ion)

= 2 (3) + 3 (-2)

= 6 - 6

= 0

Explanation:

Aluminium has 3 electrons in the outermost shell and has the tendency to lose those 3 electrons to form a positive ion and have a complete outermost shell.

Whereas, Oxygen has 6 electrons in the outermost and has the tendency to accept two more electrons to form a negative ion and have a complete outermost shell.