Question

type the correct formula for the compounds formed between the following ions: put the positive ions (cations) first in the formula. if parentheses are needed around polyatomic ions, include them. type subscripts as normal numbers. do not insert spaces in your formula. na⁺ and co₃²⁻

Explanation:

Step1: Determine ion charges

Sodium ion (\(Na^+\)) has a charge of \(+1\), carbonate ion (\(CO_3^{2-}\)) has a charge of \(-2\).

Step2: Balance charges

To balance the charges, we need 2 sodium ions (each \(+1\)) to balance 1 carbonate ion (with \(-2\)). The formula is constructed by taking the cation first, then the anion, and using subscripts to show the number of each ion. So the number of \(Na^+\) ions is 2 and \(CO_3^{2-}\) is 1.

Answer:

\(Na_2CO_3\)