If you produced 5 moles of Ca3(PO4)2, how many moles of calcium ions (Ca^{2+}) are present?

• A. 5 moles
• B. 3 moles
• C. 10 moles
• D. 15 moles

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical formula of the compound: \(\mathrm{Ca_3(PO_4)_2}\), which contains calcium ions (\(\mathrm{Ca^{2+}}\)).
2. Determine the number of calcium ions per formula unit of \(\mathrm{Ca_3(PO_4)_2}\). Since the subscript for calcium is 3, there are 3 moles of \(\mathrm{Ca^{2+}}\) ions per mole of \(\mathrm{Ca_3(PO_4)_2}\).
3. Use the given amount of \(\mathrm{Ca_3(PO_4)_2}\) produced, which is 5 moles.
4. Calculate the total moles of calcium ions by multiplying the moles of \(\mathrm{Ca_3(PO_4)_2}\) by the number of calcium ions per formula unit: \$5 \text{ moles} \times 3 = 15 \text{ moles of } \mathrm{Ca^{2+}}$.
5. Conclude that producing 5 moles of \(\mathrm{Ca_3(PO_4)_2}\) results in 15 moles of calcium ions.