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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for sodium carbonate?
A
Na2CO3
B
NaCO3
C
NaCO2
D
Na2CO2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the ions involved in sodium carbonate: sodium ion (Na\^+) and carbonate ion (CO\_3\^{2-}).
Determine the charges of each ion: sodium ion has a charge of +1, and carbonate ion has a charge of -2.
Balance the total positive and negative charges to make the compound electrically neutral. Since carbonate has a -2 charge, two sodium ions (each +1) are needed to balance it.
Write the chemical formula by placing the number of each ion as subscripts: two sodium ions and one carbonate ion, resulting in Na\_2CO\_3.
Verify that the formula is neutral by confirming the total positive charge (+2 from 2 Na\^+) equals the total negative charge (-2 from CO\_3\^{2-}).