How many oxygen atoms are present in the empirical formula unit of magnesium chlorate?

• A. 3
• B. 2
• C. 6
• D. 4

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical formula of magnesium chlorate. Magnesium typically forms a +2 charge ion (Mg^{2+}), and the chlorate ion is ClO_3^{-}.
2. Write the formula for magnesium chlorate by balancing the charges. Since Mg^{2+} needs two chlorate ions (each with a -1 charge) to balance the charge, the formula is Mg(ClO_3)_2.
3. Determine the number of oxygen atoms in one formula unit by looking at the subscript of oxygen in the chlorate ion and the number of chlorate ions present. Each chlorate ion has 3 oxygen atoms, and there are 2 chlorate ions.
4. Calculate the total number of oxygen atoms by multiplying the number of oxygen atoms per chlorate ion by the number of chlorate ions: 3 oxygen atoms/ion × 2 ions = 6 oxygen atoms.
5. Conclude that the empirical formula unit of magnesium chlorate contains 6 oxygen atoms.