Question

When each formula unit of potassium carbonate, K2CO3, dissociates into ions in solution, there is a choice of the [ ] cation and [ ] anion.

a. Sodium, Carbonate
b. Potassium, Carbonate
c. Calcium, Chloride
d. Ammonium, Sulfate

Answer 1

Each formula unit of potassium carbonate, K2CO3, dissociates in solution to form two potassium (K+) cations and one carbonate (CO32-) anion, making the answer b. Potassium, Carbonate.

Step-by-step explanation:

When each formula unit of potassium carbonate, K2CO3, dissociates into ions in solution, the resulting ions are the potassium cation and the carbonate anion. Specifically, the potassium carbonate dissociates as follows:

• K2CO3 (s) → 2K+ (aq) + CO32- (aq)

This means that each formula unit of potassium carbonate separates into two potassium ions, each with a 1+ charge, and one carbonate ion, with a 2- charge. Therefore, the answer is b. Potassium, Carbonate.