To determine the number of atoms in the compound \( \text{NaC}_2\text{H}_3\text{O}_2 \) (sodium acetate), we can break it down into its constituent elements:
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Element Breakdown:
- Sodium (Na): 1 atom
- Carbon (C): 2 atoms
- Hydrogen (H): 3 atoms
- Oxygen (O): 2 atoms
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Total Atom Count:
- Total atoms = \( 1 , (\text{Na}) + 2 , (\text{C}) + 3 , (\text{H}) + 2 , (\text{O}) = 1 + 2 + 3 + 2 = 8 \) atoms
Therefore, there are 8 atoms in the molecule \( \text{NaC}_2\text{H}_3\text{O}_2 \).