Final answer:
The Lewis structure for the carbonate ion (CO3²⁻) consists of a central carbon atom bonded to three oxygen atoms. The molecule does exhibit resonance, as there are three equivalent resonance forms that represent the average arrangement of electrons in the carbonate ion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Lewis structure for the carbonate ion (CO3²⁻) consists of a central carbon atom bonded to three oxygen atoms. One oxygen atom has a double bond with carbon, while the other two oxygen atoms have a single bond with carbon. The electrons are spread evenly between the carbon and all three oxygen atoms, resulting in three equivalent resonance forms.
Resonance is a phenomenon where multiple Lewis structures can be drawn for a molecule or ion. These structures differ only in the arrangement of electrons. In the case of the carbonate ion, three resonance forms can be drawn. These resonance forms represent the actual average arrangement of electrons in the carbonate ion, known as the resonance hybrid. Therefore, the molecule does exhibit resonance.