Question

consider the bicarbonate ion (also called the hydrogen carbonate ion). after drawing the correct lewis dot structure(s), you would see:
a two equivalent resonance forms.
b three equivalent resonance forms.
c two double bonds around the central carbon atom.
d four single bonds around the central carbon atom.
e three single bonds around the central carbon atom.

Explanation:

The bicarbonate ion (\(HCO_3^-\)) has a central carbon atom. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, hydrogen has 1, and each oxygen has 6. The total valence electrons are \(1+(4)+(3\times6)+1 = 24\). The carbon atom forms one single bond with \(H\), one single bond with one \(O\) (with a negative charge), and one double bond with another \(O\). Resonance occurs among the oxygen atoms. There are two equivalent resonance forms (the double - bond can be between carbon and two different oxygen atoms). Option C is wrong because there is only one double bond in each resonance form. Option D is wrong as there are not four single bonds. Option E is wrong as there are not three single bonds. Option B is wrong because there are two equivalent resonance forms, not three.

Answer:

A. two equivalent resonance forms.