Write the formula for the polyatomic ion in MnCO3.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The formula for the polyatomic ion in manganese carbonate (MnCO₃) is the carbonate ion, CO₃²⁻.
Explanation:
Manganese carbonate, MnCO₃, consists of manganese (Mn) and the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻). Here’s the breakdown of the components:
- Manganese (Mn):
Manganese is a transition metal, and in MnCO₃, it typically has a charge of +2. This is because manganese commonly forms divalent cations (Mn²⁺) in ionic compounds. The positive charge on the manganese ion balances the negative charge of the carbonate ion to form a neutral compound. - Carbonate Ion (CO₃²⁻):
The carbonate ion is a polyatomic ion composed of one carbon atom (C) and three oxygen atoms (O). The carbon atom is centrally bonded to the three oxygen atoms, forming a trigonal planar structure. The carbonate ion has a net charge of -2 due to the overall charge distribution among the oxygen atoms. Each oxygen is bonded to the carbon atom through covalent bonds, and because of the resonance structures, the negative charge is delocalized across all three oxygens. - Neutral Compound Formation:
To form a neutral compound, the charges of the manganese ion (Mn²⁺) and the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) must balance out. Since the manganese ion has a +2 charge and the carbonate ion has a -2 charge, the formula for the compound is MnCO₃, which indicates a 1:1 ratio of manganese to carbonate ions.
Thus, the polyatomic ion involved in manganese carbonate (MnCO₃) is CO₃²⁻, the carbonate ion. This ion is a common component in various metal carbonates, and it is essential for the chemical and structural characteristics of the compound.