Chapter 8.2, Problem 10SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The electron dot structure for sulfate and carbonate ions needs to be drawn.

Concept Introduction: An electron dot structure represents the arrangement of total valence electrons in a molecule. Here, electrons are represented as dots in pairs to show the lone pairs as well as the bond pairs.

Explanation of Solution

The given ions are ${\text{SO}}_4^{2-}$ and ${\text{CO}}_3^{2-}$ . In ${\text{SO}}_4^{2-}$ ion, there is 1 sulfur atom and 4 oxygen atoms. Here, 2 oxygen atoms have a negative charge and sulfur is the central atom. The number of valence electrons in both S and O atoms is 6; thus, the electron dot structure can be represented as follows:

  

Similarly, in ${\text{CO}}_3^{2-}$ ion, there is 1 carbon atom and 3 oxygen atoms. Here, 2 oxygen atoms have a negative charge and carbon is the central atom. The number of valence electrons in C and O atoms is 4 and 6 respectively. The electron dot structure can be represented as follows: