Correct formula of aluminium nitride is

Options

A. AlN
B. `AlN_(2)`
C. `AlN_(3)`
D. `Al_(3)N_(2)`

Answer

To determine the correct formula for aluminum nitride, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the oxidation states of aluminum and nitrogen.
- Aluminum (Al) has an atomic number of 13. In its elemental form, it has the electron configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹. To achieve a stable electron configuration, aluminum tends to lose 3 electrons, resulting in an oxidation state of +3 (Al³⁺).
- Nitrogen (N) has an atomic number of 7. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p³. To achieve a stable octet, nitrogen tends to gain 3 electrons, resulting in an oxidation state of -3 (N³⁻).

### Step 2: Combine the oxidation states to form a neutral compound.
- To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge.
- Since aluminum has a +3 charge and nitrogen has a -3 charge, we can combine one aluminum ion with one nitride ion to achieve electrical neutrality.

### Step 3: Write the empirical formula.
- The empirical formula is derived from the ratio of the ions. Since we have one Al³⁺ and one N³⁻, the formula can be written as AlN.

### Step 4: Confirm the formula.
- The formula AlN indicates that there is one aluminum atom and one nitrogen atom in the compound, which corresponds to the charges of the ions.

### Final Answer:
The correct formula for aluminum nitride is **AlN**.

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