Which one of the following is the correct molecular formula of ammonium carbonate if the valency of ammonium ion is (+1) and carbonate anion is (-2) ?
[amp_mcq option1=”(NH₄)₂CO₃” option2=”NH₄(CO₃)₂” option3=”(NH₃)₂CO₃” option4=”NH₄CO₃” correct=”option1″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2022
The valency (or charge) of the ammonium ion (NH₄⁺) is +1. The valency (or charge) of the carbonate anion (CO₃²⁻) is -2. To form a neutral compound, we need a total positive charge equal in magnitude to the total negative charge. If we take two ammonium ions, the total positive charge is 2 * (+1) = +2. If we take one carbonate ion, the total negative charge is 1 * (-2) = -2. The charges +2 and -2 balance to give a neutral compound. Therefore, the formula is (NH₄)₂CO₃, indicating two ammonium ions for every one carbonate ion.