Given the compound 4Na3PO4, how many atoms of sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), and oxygen (O) are present in total?

• A. 12 Na, 4 P, 16 O
• B. 12 Na, 4 P, 8 O
• C. 4 Na, 4 P, 16 O
• D. 3 Na, 1 P, 4 O

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical formula given: 4Na3PO4. This means there are 4 formula units of Na3PO4.
2. Determine the number of atoms of each element in one formula unit of Na3PO4: 3 sodium (Na), 1 phosphorus (P), and 4 oxygen (O) atoms.
3. Multiply the number of atoms of each element in one formula unit by 4 (since there are 4 units): For sodium, calculate \$4 \times 3\(; for phosphorus, calculate \)4 \times 1\(; for oxygen, calculate \)4 \times 4$.
4. Sum up the total atoms for each element after multiplication to find the total number of sodium, phosphorus, and oxygen atoms in 4Na3PO4.
5. Compare your calculated totals with the answer choices to select the correct one.