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QuestionChemistry

What is the charge of CO^3?
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step:

Step 2:
: Understand the Composition of CO₃

- CO₃ represents the carbonate ion - It consists of one carbon (C) atom and three oxygen (O) atoms

Step 3:
: Determine Oxygen's Charge

- Each oxygen atom typically has a charge of $$-2

Step 4:
: Calculate Total Oxygen Charge

- With 3 oxygen atoms: $$3 \times (-2) = -6

Step 5:
: Determine Carbon's Charge

- To balance the oxygen's $$-6$$ charge, carbon must have a charge of $$+4

Step 6:
: Calculate Net Charge

- $$+4 + (-6) = -2
- Total charge = Carbon charge + Oxygen charges

Final Answer

Key Insight: In the carbonate ion, the carbon and oxygen atoms share electrons in a way that results in a net negative charge of - 2.