Question

write the charge of each ion in the compound below.
potassium carbonate
potassium = carbonate =
write the formula for the compound below. be sure to include the subscripts, for example: if your answer was cucl₂, you would select: cucl2

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the charge of potassium ion

Potassium is in group 1 of the periodic table. Elements in group 1 lose one electron to form ions with a +1 charge. So, the potassium ion ($\text{K}^+$) has a charge of $+1$.

Step2: Determine the charge of carbonate ion

The carbonate ion has the formula $\text{CO}_3^{2 - }$. By common ion knowledge, the carbonate ion has a charge of $- 2$.

Step3: Write the formula of potassium carbonate

To form a neutral compound, the charges must balance. Let the number of potassium ions be $x$ and carbonate ions be $y$. We have $x(+1)+y(-2)=0$. The simplest whole - number ratio is $x = 2$ and $y = 1$. So the formula is $\text{K}_2\text{CO}_3$.

Answer:

Potassium = $+1$; carbonate = $-2$; formula = $\text{K}_2\text{CO}_3$