Question

question 2 (1 point)
using the vsepr theory, predict that the shape of the carbonate ion, $co_{3}^{2 - }$.
trigonal pyramidal
square planar
regular tetrahedral
trigonal planar
distorted tetrahedron

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the steric number

The formula for steric number \(SN=\frac{V + M - C + A}{2}\), where \(V\) is the number of valence electrons of the central atom, \(M\) is the number of monovalent atoms, \(C\) is the charge for cation and \(A\) is the charge for anion. For \(CO_{3}^{2 -}\), \(V = 4\) (valence electrons of \(C\)), \(M = 0\), \(C = 0\), \(A=2\). So \(SN=\frac{4 + 0-0 + 2}{2}=3\).

Step2: Determine the shape

According to VSEPR theory, when the steric number \(SN = 3\) and there are no lone pairs on the central atom (in \(CO_{3}^{2-}\), after forming double and single bonds with \(O\) atoms, there is no lone pair on \(C\)), the molecular geometry is trigonal planar.

Answer:

trigonal planar