The shape of CO₃²⁻ is trigonal planar, but the shape of SO₃²⁻ is trigonal pyramidal. Explain.

• A. Though both CO₃²⁻ and SO₃²⁻ are in the AX₂ form, their central atoms differ, which means their outer electrons differ, resulting in a similarity in the number of electron domains surrounding the central atoms and shape.
• B. Though both CO₃²⁻ and SO₃²⁻ are in the AX₂ form, their central atoms differ, which means their valence electrons differ, resulting in a similarity in the number of charges surrounding the central atoms and different shape.
• C. Though both CO₃²⁻ and SO₃²⁻ are in the AX₃ form, their central atoms differ, which means their valence electrons differ, resulting in a difference in the number of electron domains surrounding the central atoms and shape.
• D. Though both CO₃²⁻ and SO₃²⁻ are in the AX₅ form, their central atoms differ, which means their valence electrons differ, resulting in a difference in the number of charges surrounding the central atoms and shape.

Answer: (C)