Question

counting atoms assessment
1 fill in the blank 1 point
if the chemical formula is 2ca₃(po₄)₂, how many total oxygen atoms are present?
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Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the sub - script of oxygen in the formula

In the formula \(Ca_3(PO_4)_2\), the sub - script of \(O\) is \(4\).

Step2: Consider the coefficient outside the parentheses

The coefficient outside the \((PO_4)\) group is \(2\). So the number of \(O\) atoms from one \(Ca_3(PO_4)_2\) unit is \(4\times2 = 8\).

Step3: Consider the coefficient in front of the entire formula

The coefficient in front of \(Ca_3(PO_4)_2\) is \(2\). So the total number of \(O\) atoms is \(8\times2=16\).

Answer:

\(16\)