Sodium carbonate formula

General
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sodium carbonate formula

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What is the sodium carbonate formula?

Answer: Sodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash or washing soda, is a chemical compound with the formula Na_2CO_3. It is composed of two sodium (Na) atoms, one carbon (C) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms. Here is the detailed breakdown:

1. Chemical Formula:
The chemical formula for sodium carbonate is Na_2CO_3.

2. Structural Formula:
In the structural formula, the sodium ions (Na^+) are ionically bonded to the carbonate ion (CO_3^{2-}). The carbonate ion consists of one carbon atom double-bonded to one oxygen atom and single-bonded to two other oxygen atoms, with a -2 charge distributed over the three oxygen atoms. The structural representation can be written as:

\text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3

3. Molecular Weight:
The molecular weight of sodium carbonate can be calculated by summing the atomic weights of all the atoms in the formula:

  • Sodium (Na): 22.99 g/mol
  • Carbon (C): 12.01 g/mol
  • Oxygen (O): 16.00 g/mol

Thus,

\text{Molecular Weight} = 2 \times 22.99 + 12.01 + 3 \times 16.00 = 105.99 \text{ g/mol}

4. Uses and Applications:
Sodium carbonate is widely used in various industries and applications, including:

  • Glass Manufacturing: It is a key ingredient in the production of glass.
  • Detergents and Soaps: It is used as a water softener in detergents and soaps.
  • Chemical Synthesis: It serves as a starting material for the synthesis of other sodium compounds.
  • Food Industry: It is used as a food additive (E500) to regulate acidity.
  • Water Treatment: It is used to soften water by removing calcium and magnesium ions.

5. Physical Properties:

  • Appearance: White, odorless powder or crystalline solid.
  • Solubility: Soluble in water, forming an alkaline solution.
  • Melting Point: 851°C (1564°F)
  • Density: 2.54 g/cm³

By providing this comprehensive and detailed information, you can better understand the sodium carbonate formula and its various aspects.