1. One Ca2+ ion: +2 One CO32- ion: -2
QUESTION:
What is the formula of an ionic compound consisting of Ca2+ and CO32- ions? A. CaCO3, B. Ca2(CO3)2, C. CaCO, D. Ca2CO3
The formula of an ionic compound reflects the simplest combination of cations and anions with a total charge of zero.
One Ca2+ ion: One CO32- ion: -2
One “formula unit” of this compound contains one cation and one anion. The formula is CaCO3.
SCRIPT:
What is the formula of an ionic compound consisting of Ca2+ and CO32- ions? A. CaCO3, B. Ca2(CO3)2, C. CaCO, D. Ca2CO3
PAUSE
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The formula of an ionic compound reflects the simplest combination of cations and anions with a total charge of zero.
Since one calcium ion has a charge of –2
CLICK and one carbonate ion has a charge of –2,…
CLICK one of each will give us a total charge of zero.
Therefore, we say that one “formula unit” of this compound contains one cation and one anion. The formula is CaCO3.

2. Video ID: © 2008, Project VALUE (Video Assessment Library for Undergraduate Education), Department of Physical Sciences Nicholls State University Author: Glenn V. Lo Narrator: Funded by Louisiana Board of Regents Contract No. LA-DL-SELECT-13-07/08