What is the chemical formula of #"aluminum sulfate"#?

1 Answer
Nov 29, 2015

#Al_2(SO_4)_3#

Explanation:

The sulfate anion has a #-2# charge, whereas the aluminum cation has a #+3# charge. The ionic compound must be electrically neutral. Thus we take 2 aluminum ions (6+ charge) and 3 sulfate ions (6-) charge, and achieve electrical neutrality. Are you happy with this treatment? What is the formula for sodium sulfate?