Explain why AL usually makes Al^3+ and not AL^2+ or AL^1+

Question

Explain why AL usually makes Al^3+ and not AL^2+ or AL^1+

Answer 1

If you look at the electron configuration of aluminum (at. no. 13) you'll see it is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹.  Note that the valence electrons (those in the 3rd energy level) number 3, i.e 2 in the 3s orbital, and 1 in the 3 p orbital.  So, it wants to LOSE those 3 electrons to become stable.  When it does that, it becomes an ion with a 3+ charge.