Question

1. which statement correctly compares the number of atoms in the formula for magnesium hydroxide (mg(oh)₂) and the formula for carbon dioxide (2co₂)? both formulas contain the same total number of atoms, but 2co₂ has more elements. 2co₂ has more atoms, but magnesium hydroxide has more elements. 2co₂ has fewer atoms, but the same number of elements as magnesium hydroxide. magnesium hydroxide has more atoms and more elements than 2co₂.

Explanation:

Step1: Count atoms in Mg(OH)$_2$

In Mg(OH)$_2$, there is 1 Mg atom, 2 O atoms and 2 H atoms. So the total number of atoms is $1 + 2+2=5$. The elements are magnesium (Mg), oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H), 3 elements in total.

Step2: Count atoms in 2CO$_2$

In 2CO$_2$, there are 2 C atoms and 4 O atoms. So the total number of atoms is $2 + 4 = 6$. The elements are carbon (C) and oxygen (O), 2 elements in total.

Answer:

2CO$_2$ has more atoms, but magnesium hydroxide has more elements.