What is the name of the compound K2CO3?

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Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the name of the compound K2CO3?

Explanation:
Naming ionic compounds comes from pairing the positive ion with the negative ion and balancing their charges. In K2CO3, potassium forms a +1 ion and the carbonate ion is CO3 with a 2− charge. Two potassium ions balance one carbonate ion, giving an overall neutral salt. That’s why the name is potassium carbonate: potassium is the cation and carbonate is the polyatomic anion that remains. The -ate ending indicates the carbonate oxyanion, distinguishing it from other possible anions like nitrate, chloride, or sulfate, which would form different salts such as potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, or potassium sulfate.

Naming ionic compounds comes from pairing the positive ion with the negative ion and balancing their charges. In K2CO3, potassium forms a +1 ion and the carbonate ion is CO3 with a 2− charge. Two potassium ions balance one carbonate ion, giving an overall neutral salt. That’s why the name is potassium carbonate: potassium is the cation and carbonate is the polyatomic anion that remains. The -ate ending indicates the carbonate oxyanion, distinguishing it from other possible anions like nitrate, chloride, or sulfate, which would form different salts such as potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, or potassium sulfate.

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