Here's why:
* Group 1A metals have a +1 charge (e.g., Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺).
* Carbonate has a -2 charge (CO₃²⁻).
To achieve neutrality, you need two +1 charges (from two group 1A metal ions) to balance out the -2 charge of the carbonate ion. This results in a 1:2 ratio between the metal ion and the carbonate ion.
Examples:
* Lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃)
* Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃)
* Potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃)