Write the formula for Sodium Carbonate
The correct answer and explanation is:
The chemical formula for sodium carbonate is Na₂CO₃.
Explanation:
Sodium carbonate is an inorganic compound composed of sodium (Na), carbon (C), and oxygen (O). It is commonly known as soda ash or washing soda and is widely used in various industrial processes, including glass manufacturing, water treatment, and as a cleaning agent.
To break down the formula, Na₂CO₃:
- Na stands for sodium. In this case, there are two sodium atoms (Na₂), indicating the sodium ion (Na⁺) is present in a 2:1 ratio with the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻).
- CO₃ represents the carbonate ion. The carbonate ion is a polyatomic ion consisting of one carbon atom (C) bonded to three oxygen atoms (O₃). The overall charge of the carbonate ion is 2- (CO₃²⁻), meaning it carries a negative charge.
- The two sodium ions (Na⁺) balance out the charge of the carbonate ion. Since sodium ions each carry a positive charge of +1, two sodium ions (Na₂) are needed to neutralize the 2- charge of the carbonate ion.
Sodium carbonate is produced by the Solvay process, which reacts sodium chloride (NaCl) with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and ammonia (NH₃). In solution, sodium carbonate can dissociate into sodium ions (Na⁺) and carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻), making it an important base in many chemical reactions.
The formula Na₂CO₃ reflects the balanced charges of the ions involved. The compound plays a key role in maintaining pH levels in various applications, as well as being a fundamental chemical used in the production of soaps, detergents, and other cleaning agents.