How many oxygen atoms are present in one formula unit of Al(PO4)3?

• A. 3
• B. 4
• C. 8
• D. 12

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical formula given: Al(PO4)3. This means one formula unit contains 1 aluminum (Al) atom and 3 phosphate (PO4) groups.
2. Focus on the phosphate group (PO4). Each phosphate group contains 1 phosphorus (P) atom and 4 oxygen (O) atoms.
3. Since there are 3 phosphate groups in the formula, multiply the number of oxygen atoms in one phosphate group by 3: \(4 \times 3\).
4. Calculate the total number of oxygen atoms by performing the multiplication, which gives the total oxygen atoms in one formula unit.
5. Conclude that the total oxygen atoms in one formula unit of Al(PO4)3 is the product from the previous step.