Explain the important aspects of resonance with reference to the `CO_(3)^(2-)` ion.

Explanation

According to experimental findings, all carbon to oxygen bonds is `CO_(3)^(2-)` are equivalent. Hence, it is inadequate to represent `CO_(3)^(2-)` ion by a single Lewis structure having two single bonds and one double bond.
Therefore, carbonate ion is described as a resonance hybrid of the following structures: