Question

explain how you know the number of atoms in your formula.

Answer 1

To determine the number of atoms in a formula, you need to consider the subscripts associated with each element in the formula. The subscript denotes the number of atoms of that particular element in the compound.

For example, take the chemical formula H2O, which represents water. In this formula, H denotes hydrogen, and the subscript 2 indicates that there are two hydrogen atoms. The element O represents oxygen, and since there is no subscript, there is only one oxygen atom in the compound.

To calculate the total number of atoms in a formula:

1. Identify each element present in the formula.
2. For each element, determine the subscript associated with it.
3. Multiply the subscript by the number of atoms of that element.
4. Add the products from Step 3 for all elements to obtain the total number of atoms in the formula.

For instance, consider the formula C6H12O6, which represents glucose. Here's how to determine the number of atoms:

1. Identify the elements: Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O).
2. Determine the subscripts: C6, H12, and O6.
3. Calculate the number of atoms for each element:
- Carbon: 6 carbon atoms (C6 * 1)
- Hydrogen: 12 hydrogen atoms (H12 * 1)
- Oxygen: 6 oxygen atoms (O6 * 1)
4. Add the individual counts: 6 + 12 + 6 = 24.
Hence, the formula C6H12O6 contains a total of 24 atoms.

By applying these steps, you can determine the number of atoms in any chemical formula.