Predict the chemical formula for the ionic compound formed by (b) K+ and CO32-

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Identify the charges of the ions involved: Potassium ion \( \text{K}^+ \) has a charge of +1, and carbonate ion \( \text{CO}_3^{2-} \) has a charge of -2.

To form a neutral ionic compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge.

Determine the ratio of \( \text{K}^+ \) ions to \( \text{CO}_3^{2-} \) ions needed to balance the charges. Since \( \text{K}^+ \) has a +1 charge and \( \text{CO}_3^{2-} \) has a -2 charge, you will need two \( \text{K}^+ \) ions to balance one \( \text{CO}_3^{2-} \) ion.

Write the chemical formula by placing the cation first followed by the anion, using subscripts to indicate the number of each ion needed to balance the charges.

The chemical formula for the ionic compound is \( \text{K}_2\text{CO}_3 \).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of charged ions. These compounds typically consist of a metal cation and a non-metal anion. The electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions leads to the formation of a stable ionic lattice structure.

Charge Balance

In ionic compounds, the total positive charge from cations must balance the total negative charge from anions to achieve electrical neutrality. For example, if a cation has a +1 charge and an anion has a -2 charge, two cations would be needed to balance the charge, resulting in a formula that reflects this ratio.

Polyatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions are ions that consist of two or more atoms bonded together, which carry a net charge. In this case, the carbonate ion (CO32-) is a polyatomic ion with a -2 charge. Understanding the composition and charge of polyatomic ions is essential for predicting the formulas of ionic compounds.

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