Give the names and charges of the cation and anion in each of the following compounds: (e) PbCO3.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical formula: PbCO_3.
2. Determine the cation in the compound: Pb (lead).
3. Determine the anion in the compound: CO_3 (carbonate).
4. Identify the charge of the carbonate ion: CO_3^{2-}.
5. Determine the charge of the lead cation by balancing the charges: Pb^{2+}.

Key Concepts

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negatively charged ions) bond together through electrostatic forces. In these compounds, the total positive charge from the cations must balance the total negative charge from the anions, resulting in a neutral overall charge for the compound.

Common Ions

Common ions are specific ions that frequently occur in various compounds. For example, lead (Pb) can form a cation with a charge of +2 (Pb²⁺), while carbonate (CO3) is a common anion with a charge of -2 (CO3²⁻). Recognizing these common ions is essential for identifying the components of ionic compounds.

Charge Balance

Charge balance is a fundamental principle in chemistry that states the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge in a neutral compound. When determining the cation and anion in a compound like PbCO3, it is crucial to ensure that the charges of the ions combine to yield a neutral compound, guiding the identification of the correct ions.