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) ?
(NH₄)₂CO₃
NH₄(CO₃)₂
(NH₃)₂CO₃
NH₄CO₃
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Answer is Wrong!
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.