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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for lead(II) carbonate?
A
PbCO3
B
Pb2CO3
C
Pb2(CO3)2
D
Pb(CO3)2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the ions involved in lead(II) carbonate. Lead(II) indicates the lead ion has a charge of +2, written as Pb^{2+}. The carbonate ion is CO_3^{2-}, with a charge of -2.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the charges. Since Pb^{2+} has a +2 charge and CO_3^{2-} has a -2 charge, one Pb^{2+} ion will balance with one CO_3^{2-} ion to make a neutral compound.
Write the chemical formula by combining the ions in the ratio that balances the charges. Since the charges are equal and opposite, the formula is PbCO_3 without any additional subscripts.
Check the options given: PbCO3, Pb2CO3, Pb2(CO3)2, and Pb(CO3)2. The correct formula should have one Pb and one CO_3 group, so PbCO_3 is correct.
Remember that subscripts indicate the number of ions, and parentheses are used when multiple polyatomic ions are present. Since only one carbonate ion is needed, no parentheses or additional subscripts are necessary.