The equivalent weight of a substance is defined as the molar mass of the substance divided by its n-factor. The n-factor is the number of moles of electrons transferred per mole of the substance during a chemical reaction.
In the case of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), it undergoes a chemical reaction where aluminum (Al) loses 3 moles of electrons to form aluminum ions (Al^3+), and oxygen (O) gains 2 moles of electrons to form oxide ions (O^2-). So, the n-factor for Al2O3 is 3, as 3 moles of electrons are transferred per mole of Al2O3.
The molar mass of aluminum (Al) is approximately 27 g/mol, and the molar mass of oxygen (O) is approximately 16 g/mol.
To calculate the equivalent weight of aluminum in Al2O3, we can use the following formula:
Equivalent Weight (Al) = (Molar Mass of Al) / n-factor
Equivalent Weight (Al) = (27 g/mol) / 3
Equivalent Weight (Al) = 9 g/equiv.
So, the equivalent weight of aluminum in aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is 9 grams per equivalent.