What is the correct chemical formula for diphosphorus pentoxide?

• A. P2O5
• B. P2O3
• C. P5O2
• D. PO5

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the name 'diphosphorus pentoxide' indicates the number of atoms of each element in the compound: 'di-' means 2 phosphorus atoms, and 'penta-' means 5 oxygen atoms.
2. Write the chemical formula by placing the symbols for phosphorus (P) and oxygen (O) with their respective quantities as subscripts: \(\mathrm{P_2O_5}\).
3. Verify that the formula matches the naming convention: 2 phosphorus atoms and 5 oxygen atoms, which corresponds to diphosphorus pentoxide.
4. Check the other options to ensure they do not match the name: \(\mathrm{P_2O_3}\) has 3 oxygens, \(\mathrm{P_5O_2}\) reverses the ratio, and \(\mathrm{PO_5}\) has only 1 phosphorus atom.
5. Conclude that the correct chemical formula for diphosphorus pentoxide is \(\mathrm{P_2O_5}\).