The formula for magnesium carbonate is mgco3. what is the charge of the cation in ag2co3?

The formula for magnesium carbonate is MgCO₃

Now, Mg belongs to group IIA in the periodic table and is a divalent cation

Since the molecule, MgCO₃ is neutral, the corresponding charge on the carbonate anion should be - 2

i. e. we have: Mg²⁺ and CO₃²⁻

Now in Ag₂CO₃, Ag and CO₃ combine in the ratio 2:1

We know that the charge on carbonate ion is - 2.

i. e. 2 (Ag cation charge) + 1 (CO3 anion charge) = 0

2 (Ag cation) + 1 (-2) = 0

Ag charge = 2/2 = + 1

Therefore, charge on Ag cation = + 1