Write the formula for sodium carbonate.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The formula for sodium carbonate is \(Na_2CO_3\).

Step by step solution

01

Identifying the Elements

Sodium (Na) is a metal with a positive charge of +1, and carbonate (CO3) is a polyatomic ion with a negative charge of -2. In order to create a neutral compound, we need to balance the charges.
02

Combining the Elements

We can balance the charges by having two sodium ions (each with a +1 charge) for every carbonate ion (with a -2 charge). This way, the overall charge of the compound becomes neutral.
03

Writing the Formula

To write the formula for sodium carbonate, we combine the elements in the ratio derived above. The formula for sodium carbonate is: Na2CO3.

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