How many oxygen atoms are in the compound below:
Cu3(PO4)2
A. 8
B. 4
C. 2
D. 6
To determine the number of oxygen atoms in the compound Cu3(PO4)2, we need to count the number of oxygen atoms in the phosphate ion (PO4) and then consider the coefficient and subscript in front of it.
There are four oxygen atoms in each phosphate ion (PO4).
Next, we look at the coefficient in front of the phosphate ion, which is 2 (PO4)2. This means there are 2 phosphate ions in the compound.
Finally, we consider the subscript of the oxygen atom in the phosphate ion, which is 4. This means each phosphate ion contains four oxygen atoms.
Therefore, the total number of oxygen atoms in Cu3(PO4)2 is 4 (oxygen atoms in each phosphate ion) x 2 (number of phosphate ions) = 8.
So, the correct answer is A. 8.