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 formula inside the bracket

In the formula \((PO_4)_2\), the subscript \(4\) indicates the number of oxygen atoms in one \(PO_4\) group.

Step2: Consider the multiplier outside the bracket

The multiplier \(2\) (from \(2Ca_3(PO_4)_2\)) affects the entire \((PO_4)_2\) part. First, for \((PO_4)_2\), the number of oxygen atoms from one \((PO_4)_2\) is \(4\times2 = 8\) (because of the subscript \(2\) outside \(PO_4\)).

Step3: Consider the coefficient in front of the formula

The coefficient \(2\) (in \(2Ca_3(PO_4)_2\)) means we have two sets of \((PO_4)_2\). So the total number of oxygen atoms is \(8\times2=16\).

Answer:

\(16\)