What is the formula of the carbonate ion?

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Multiple Choice

What is the formula of the carbonate ion?

Explanation:
The carbonate ion is a polyatomic ion that carries a negative two charge. Its composition is one carbon atom with three oxygen atoms, so the formula is CO3 with a 2− charge. The -2 arises because three oxygens each contribute -2, totaling -6, while carbon contributes +4 to balance, giving an overall -2. That’s why the correct representation is CO3 2−; the other charges would not match the ion’s actual charge.

The carbonate ion is a polyatomic ion that carries a negative two charge. Its composition is one carbon atom with three oxygen atoms, so the formula is CO3 with a 2− charge. The -2 arises because three oxygens each contribute -2, totaling -6, while carbon contributes +4 to balance, giving an overall -2. That’s why the correct representation is CO3 2−; the other charges would not match the ion’s actual charge.

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