Skip to main content
Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 14th Edition
Brown14th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780134414232Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBrown 14th EditionCh.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and IonsProblem 73f
Chapter 2, Problem 73f

Write the chemical formulas for the following compounds: (f) iron(III)carbonate

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the cation and its charge: Iron(III) indicates the iron cation with a charge of +3, written as \( \text{Fe}^{3+} \).
Identify the anion and its charge: Carbonate is a polyatomic ion with the formula \( \text{CO}_3^{2-} \).
Determine the ratio of cations to anions needed to balance the charges: To balance the charges between \( \text{Fe}^{3+} \) and \( \text{CO}_3^{2-} \), find the least common multiple of the charges, which is 6.
Calculate the number of each ion needed: You need 2 iron(III) ions (\( 2 \times +3 = +6 \)) and 3 carbonate ions (\( 3 \times -2 = -6 \)) to balance the charges.
Write the chemical formula by combining the ions in the correct ratio: The formula for iron(III) carbonate is \( \text{Fe}_2(\text{CO}_3)_3 \).

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Iron(III) Ion

The iron(III) ion, denoted as Fe³⁺, is a cation formed when iron loses three electrons. This oxidation state is common in various iron compounds and is crucial for determining the overall charge balance in ionic compounds. Understanding the charge of the iron ion is essential for writing the correct formula for iron(III) carbonate.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:17
Ion Formation

Carbonate Ion

The carbonate ion, represented as CO₃²⁻, is a polyatomic ion consisting of one carbon atom covalently bonded to three oxygen atoms. It carries a -2 charge, which is important for balancing the charges when combined with cations like iron(III). Recognizing the structure and charge of the carbonate ion is vital for constructing the correct chemical formula.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:17
Ion Formation

Ionic Compound Formation

Ionic compounds are formed through the electrostatic attraction between cations and anions. The total positive charge from the cations must equal the total negative charge from the anions to achieve charge neutrality. In the case of iron(III) carbonate, one Fe³⁺ ion combines with three CO₃²⁻ ions to form the neutral compound, Fe₂(CO₃)₃.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:11
Ionic Compounds Naming
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Name the following ionic compounds: (j) Ag2Cr2O7.

926
views
Textbook Question

Give the chemical formula for each of the following ionic compounds: (a) sodium phosphate (b) zinc nitrate (c) barium bromate (d) iron(II) perchlorate

967
views
Textbook Question

Write the chemical formulas for the following compounds: (a) aluminum hydroxide (b) potassium sulfate (c) copper(I) oxide (d) zinc nitrate (e) mercury(II) bromide

1360
views
Textbook Question

Write the chemical formulas for the following compounds: (g) sodium hypobromite.

867
views
Textbook Question

Name the following ionic compounds: (h) NaH2PO4 (i) KMnO4

788
views
Textbook Question

Give the name or chemical formula, as appropriate, for each of the following acids: (b) HBr

669
views