In the carbonate ion (), the average formal charge on each oxygen atom is (where is the simplest fra — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question
Question
In the carbonate ion ($CO_3^{2-}$), the average formal charge on each oxygen atom is $-\frac{x}{y}$ (where $\frac{x}{y}$ is the simplest fraction). What is the value of $x + y$?
Answer: 5
💡 Solution & Explanation
In $CO_3^{2-}$, a total charge of $-2$ is distributed equally via resonance over 3 identical oxygen atoms. The average formal charge on each oxygen is $-\frac{2}{3}$. Thus, $x=2$ and $y=3$. $x + y = 5$.
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