Which one of the following is the correct molecular formula of ammoniu

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
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2022
To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge from the cations must balance the total negative charge from the anions. Given the valencies, the correct ratio of ammonium ions to carbonate ions needs to be determined.
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.
When writing formulas for ionic compounds, the cation is written first, followed by the anion. Subscripts indicate the number of ions required to achieve charge neutrality. If the ion is polyatomic (like NH₄⁺ or CO₃²⁻) and more than one is needed, the ion formula is enclosed in parentheses before the subscript.
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