Answer
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Step 1: Identify the central atom and its surrounding atoms or groups of atoms.
In CO3^2 -, the central atom is carbon (C) and it is surrounded by three oxygen (O) atoms.
Step 2: Determine the number of electron pairs around the central atom.
To find the number of electron pairs, we need to consider both bonding and lone pairs. In this case, there are 3 bonds between the carbon and oxygen atoms. Since each bond contains 2 electrons, there are a total of 3 * 2 = 6 electrons from bonds. Now, let's account for the charge on the ion. The - 2 charge indicates that there are 2 additional electrons in the system. Therefore, the total number of electron pairs around the central atom is 6 (from bonds) + 2 / 2 (from the - 2 charge) = 8 electron pairs.
Final Answer
The molecular geometry of CO3^2 - is trigonal planar.
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