To determine the correct formula for aluminum chloride, we need to balance the charges of the elements involved. Let's analyze the valences:
1. Aluminum (Al) has a valence of +3.
2. Chlorine (Cl) has a valence of -1.
For the compound to be electrically neutral, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge.
- One aluminum atom has a charge of +3.
- One chlorine atom has a charge of -1.
To balance the charges:
- We need three chlorine atoms to balance the +3 charge from one aluminum atom. This is because 3 chlorine atoms, each with a charge of -1, will provide a total charge of -3, which will balance the +3 charge from aluminum.
Therefore, the correct chemical formula for aluminum chloride is [tex]$AlCl_3$[/tex].
The correct answer is:
D. [tex]$AlCl_3$[/tex].
