Understanding the Formula of Aluminum Carbide

What is the theoretical formula for Aluminum carbide?

What ratio do aluminum ions (Al3+) and carbide ions (C4) combine in?

Theoretical Formula and Ratio

The theoretical formula for Aluminum carbide is Al4C3, which is formed when aluminum ions (Al3+) and carbide ions (C4) combine in a 4:3 ratio.

Aluminum carbide is a chemical compound composed of aluminum and carbon, with the formula Al4C3. This compound is formed through the combination of aluminum ions (Al3+) and carbide ions (C4) in a specific ratio.

When aluminum forms a cation with a charge of 3+ (Al3+), and carbon forms an anion with a charge of 4- (C4), they combine in a 4:3 ratio to create Aluminum carbide. This ratio ensures that the positive and negative charges are balanced out in the compound.

Therefore, the simplest whole number ratio for Aluminum carbide is Al4C3, indicating that for every 4 aluminum ions, there are 3 carbide ions present in the compound.