Question

calcium carbonate is produced by many aquatic organisms. over time, calcium carbonate precipitates out of the water and forms limestone, a sedimentary rock.
a limestone formation in the el torcal mountain range, spain. the limestone formed in an aquatic environment 150 million years ago, and was later uplifted and shaped by erosion.
calcium carbonate is composed of calcium ions and carbonate ions (co₃²⁻) bonded together.
which formula correctly represents calcium carbonate?
choose 1 answer:
caco₃
ca(co₃)₂
ca₂co₃

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the charge of calcium ion

Calcium ion (\(Ca^{2+}\)) has a charge of \(+ 2\).

Step2: Determine the charge of carbonate ion

Carbonate ion (\(CO_{3}^{2-}\)) has a charge of \(-2\).

Step3: Use the criss - cross method for ionic compound formula

For an ionic compound, the charges of the ions balance each other. Since the charge of \(Ca^{2+}\) is \(+2\) and the charge of \(CO_{3}^{2-}\) is \(-2\), the ratio of \(Ca^{2+}\) to \(CO_{3}^{2-}\) is \(1:1\).

Answer:

A. \(CaCO_{3}\)