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Aluminium (Al): Bohr Model, Protons, Neutrons & Electrons

Aluminium is element number 13, a post-transition metal in group 13, period 3. Its atom has 13 protons, 14 neutrons and 13 electrons arranged in 3 shells: 2, 8, 3.

13 p⁺ · 14 n⁰
Bohr model of aluminium: 13 protons (red) and 14 neutrons (blue) in the nucleus, 13 electrons (gold) in shells 2, 8, 3.

Protons, neutrons and electrons in aluminium

Le atomic number of aluminium is 13, so every aluminium atom has 13 protons. A neutral atom has the same number of electrons, 13. The number of neutrons depends on the isotope: neutrons = mass number − atomic number. For aluminium-27, that is 27 − 13 = 14 neutrons.

How to draw the Bohr model of aluminium

  1. Draw the nucleus and write 13 p⁺ et 14 n⁰ inside it.
  2. Draw the first shell and put 2 electrons on it (the first shell holds at most 2).
  3. Draw the second shell and put 8 electrons on it.
  4. Draw the third shell and put 3 electrons on it.
  5. Check: 2 + 8 + 3 = 13 electrons, the same as the number of protons.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of aluminium is [Ne] 3s² 3p¹. Its 3 outer electrons decide how it reacts: it tends to lose them, forming Al³⁺ ions.

Key facts about aluminium

SymbolAl
Atomic number13
Relative atomic mass26.982
Group · period · blockgroup 13 · period 3 · p-block
TypeMétal post-transitionnel
State at 25 °Csolid
Couches électroniques2, 8, 3
Electron configuration[Ne] 3s² 3p¹
Électrons de valence3
Common ionAl³⁺
Electronegativity (Pauling)1.61
First ionisation energy5.99 eV (578 kJ/mol)
Atomic radius (empirical)125 pm

Où aluminium sits on the periodic table

Foire aux questions

How many protons, neutrons and electrons does aluminium have?

Aluminium has 13 protons and 13 electrons (atomic number 13). Its most common isotope, aluminium-27, has 27 − 13 = 14 neutrons.

What is the electron configuration of aluminium?

[Ne] 3s² 3p¹. In shells that is 2, 8, 3.

How many valence electrons does aluminium have?

3. Aluminium is in group 13, and its outer shell holds 3 electrons.

Where is aluminium on the periodic table?

In group 13, period 3, in the p-block. It is a post-transition metal.

Explorer aluminium in 3D Build atoms in the Atom Builder