Textbook 2A.13(c)

[Tiffany 3F]

The question asks to predict the type of orbital (1s, 2p, 3d, 4f, etc.) from which an electron will need to be removed to form the +1 ions. For (c), why is Al+ in the 3p orbital and not in the 3s orbital even though it is subtracting an electron?

[Jenna Jabourian 2C]

This is because Al is in the p subshell on the periodic table. For this reason in the electron configuration, 3p comes after 3s so an electron would be removed from the 3p orbital to form the +1 ion.

[Ariana 1D]

I think in this case, it will be removed from the p-orbital instead of the s-orbital because the removal of an electron from the p orbital will leave the atom with a full orbital (3s). Whereas, if we remove the electron from the s-orbital, the atom will be left will one electron in 3s and one electron in 3p and it is less stable.