The Lewis structure below shows the carbonate ion with its C–O bond lengths. All of the C–O bonds in the carbonate ion are equal in length and a little longer than the usual 123 pm for a C–O double bond. Does this mean that the C–O double bonds in the carbonate ion are weaker than the usual C–O double bonds?

• A. No, the C–O double bonds in the carbonate ion are stronger than a usual C–O double bond.
• B. Yes, the C–O double bonds in the carbonate ion are weaker than a usual C–O double bond.

Answer: (B)