Multiple Choice
Which pair of formulas represents the empirical formula and the molecular formula of a compound?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Empirical Formula
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How many atoms of oxygen are present in the empirical formula of calcium phosphate?
A
4
B
8
C
8
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the empirical formula of calcium phosphate. Calcium phosphate is commonly represented as Ca\_3(PO\_4)\_2.
Break down the formula to count the number of oxygen atoms. The phosphate ion (PO\_4) contains 4 oxygen atoms.
Since there are 2 phosphate ions in the formula, multiply the number of oxygen atoms in one phosphate ion by 2: 4 oxygen atoms \times 2 = 8 oxygen atoms.
Therefore, the empirical formula of calcium phosphate contains 8 oxygen atoms.
Summarize: The number of oxygen atoms in Ca\_3(PO\_4)\_2 is 8 because the subscript 2 applies to the entire phosphate group, which contains 4 oxygen atoms each.
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