Enter a balanced chemical equation for the reaction between aluminum metal and liquid bromine.

2Al (s) + 3Br₂ (l) → 2AlBr₃ (s)

Explanation:

1) Word equation:

aluminum metal + liquid bromine → aluminum bromide

2) Chemical equation:

Al (s) + Br₂ (l) → AlBr₃ (s)

3) Balanced chemical equation:

2Al (s) + 3Br₂ (l) → 2AlBr₃ (s)

4) Notes:

The most common oxidation state of aluminum is + 3.

Bromine has 5 common oxidation states: - 1, + 1, + 3, + 5, and + 7.

Since aluminum has a positive oxidation state, bromine must have the negative oxidation state, - 1.

In the molecular formula the valences (oxidation numbers) are exchanged as subscripts, that is the reason Al has subscript 1 (understood) while Br has subscript 3.

This is combination or synthesis reaction: two elements combine to form a new compound.

This is a very exothermic reaction which yields light (sparks) and heat.

The product, AlBr₃ is a molecular compound (not ionic).