What is the chemical formula for sodium carbonate?

Study for the GWWI WEF Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals Test. Review key concepts with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare to ace your exam!

Sodium carbonate, commonly referred to as soda ash or washing soda, has the chemical formula Na₂CO₃. This compound consists of two sodium atoms (Na) and one carbonate group (CO₃). The presence of the subscript "2" indicates that there are two sodium ions for every carbonate ion in the structure of the compound.

In a broader context, sodium carbonate is often used in various applications, including glass manufacturing, as a pH regulator in swimming pools, and in detergents. Understanding the composition of sodium carbonate is essential for its various uses and potential reactions with other substances.

The other options, while they also represent chemical compounds containing sodium, do not correspond to sodium carbonate. For example, NaCl is sodium chloride, the common table salt; NaOH refers to sodium hydroxide, which is a strong base; and Na₂SO₄ is sodium sulfate, which has sulfate ions instead of carbonate ions. These differences in composition highlight the significance of recognizing the correct chemical formula for sodium carbonate, as it is distinct from these other sodium-containing compounds.

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