The formula in my book for carbonate is Co32- and I’m confused because carbon has 4 valence electrons and oxygen has 6 . How does it end up being CO32-?? Please help
what exactly are you wanting to know? It isn’t clear from your question. Please advise and I will answer it for you ASAP. I think I know what you are wanting but I don’t want to assume.... thank you
The total charge of the carbonate ion is -2. O2 in CO32- has a total charge of -6 (3 x -2). Hence, to find the charge of carbon -> x + -6 = -2. Therefore, carbon has a charge of +4. This matches your theory stated whereby 1. Carbon has 4 valence electrons so in this case, it loses 4 electrons to obtain a stable noble octet config. & hence has a charge of +4. 2. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons so in this case, it gains 2 electrons & hence has a charge of -2.
