Question

Write the chemical formula of the compound calcium bicarbonate in a step-by-step manner.

Answer 1

The symbol of calcium is ‘Ca’, having a valency of 2⁺.

The formula of bicarbonate is ‘HCO₃’ with valency 1^-.

Step 1 –

Write the formula of calcium bicarbonate:

Symbol Valency

Calcium Ca 2⁺

Bicarbonate HCO₃ 1^-

Step 2 –

Write each symbol with its valency:

Ca²⁺ HCO₃^1-

Step 3 –

Interchanging the valencies:

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{Ca}{\mathrm{HCO}}_{3_{}} \\ \searrow \swarrow \\ {2}^{+}{1}^{-} \end{gathered}$$

The formula of the compound calcium bicarbonate is Ca(HCO₃)₂.