Question

The names and chemical formulas of four substances are shown in the chart.

Substance Formulas
Name Chemical Formula
Carbonic Acid H2CO3
Nitric Acid HNO3
Phosphoric Acid H3PO4
Sulfuric Acid H2SO4


Which substance listed in the chart is made up of the most atoms?

Select {responseValue}
Nitric Acid

Select {responseValue}
Carbonic Acid

Select {responseValue}
Sulfuric Acid

Select {responseValue}
Phosphoric Acid

Answer 1

To determine which substance is made up of the most atoms, we can count the total number of atoms in the chemical formulas provided.

1. **Carbonic Acid (H₂CO₃)**:
- H: 2
- C: 1
- O: 3
- Total = 2 + 1 + 3 = **6 atoms**

2. **Nitric Acid (HNO₃)**:
- H: 1
- N: 1
- O: 3
- Total = 1 + 1 + 3 = **5 atoms**

3. **Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄)**:
- H: 3
- P: 1
- O: 4
- Total = 3 + 1 + 4 = **8 atoms**

4. **Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄)**:
- H: 2
- S: 1
- O: 4
- Total = 2 + 1 + 4 = **7 atoms**

Now, comparing the totals:
- Carbonic Acid: 6 atoms
- Nitric Acid: 5 atoms
- Phosphoric Acid: 8 atoms
- Sulfuric Acid: 7 atoms

Thus, the substance made up of the most atoms is **Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄)** with **8 atoms**.