Identify the species that has the same shape as the carbonate ion, ${\text{CO}}_3^{2-}$.

Solution

1. The ${\text{CO}}_3^{2-}$ ion has a central carbon atom with three bonding pairs and no lone pairs, resulting in trigonal planar geometry.
2. The ${\text{NO}}_3^{-}$ ion has a central nitrogen atom with three bonding pairs and no lone pairs, resulting in trigonal planar geometry.
3. The ${\text{SO}}_3$ molecule has a central sulfur atom with three bonding pairs and no lone pairs, resulting in trigonal planar geometry.
4. Hence the answer is (C).