Question

1 multiple choice 10 points which of the following is the formula for sodium carbonate? naco₃ nahco₃ na₂co₃ na₂c₂o₄

Explanation:

Sodium carbonate is composed of sodium ions ($\ce{Na+}$) and carbonate ions ($\ce{CO^{2-}_{3}}$). To balance the charges, two sodium ions are needed for each carbonate ion.

• $\ce{NaCO3}$: Incorrect charge balance.
• $\ce{NaHCO3}$: Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), not sodium carbonate.
• $\ce{Na2CO3}$: Correct formula with proper charge balance.
• $\ce{Na2C2O4}$: Sodium oxalate, not sodium carbonate.

Answer:

$\ce{Na2CO3}$ (the third option)