Question

Write the symbol of the Carbonate ion.

Answer 1

Radical: A group of atoms of different elements functioning together as a single unit and carrying a charge (positive or negative) is known as a radical.

Negative radical: An atom or group of atoms carrying a unit of negative charge by the gain of electrons is known as a negative radical.

• Carbonate ion is a negative radical which carries two units of negative charge by the gain of two electrons.

Therefore Carbonate ion can be represented as ${{\mathrm{CO}}_3}^{-2}$