Explain the structure of `CO_(3)^(2-)` ion in terms of resonance
(b) Explain the resonance structures of `CO_(2)` molecule .

Explanation

In the signle Lewis structure for the ion, the central carbon atom is linked to one oxygen atom by double bond and to the other two oxygen atoms by single bonds as shown. The C-O and C=O bond lengths are expected to be different However, these have been found to be the same. This is explained on the basis of resonance only. The ion is a hybrid of the Following contributing structures.