Discover a world of knowledge and get your questions answered at IDNLearn.com. Find the answers you need quickly and accurately with help from our knowledgeable and dedicated community members.

How many atoms of each element are in the chemical formula [tex]$P_2O_5$[/tex]?

A. 2 phosphorus and 5 oxygen
B. 5 phosphorus and 2 oxygen
C. 1 phosphorus and 5 oxygen
D. 2 phosphorus and 1 oxygen


Sagot :

To determine the number of atoms of each element in the chemical formula [tex]\(P_2O_5\)[/tex], we need to analyze the subscripts in the formula. The subscripts in a chemical formula indicate the number of atoms of each element present in one molecule of the compound.

1. The subscript next to the element symbol [tex]\(P\)[/tex] (phosphorus) is 2. This means there are 2 atoms of phosphorus in one molecule of [tex]\(P_2O_5\)[/tex].
2. The subscript next to the element symbol [tex]\(O\)[/tex] (oxygen) is 5. This indicates there are 5 atoms of oxygen in one molecule of [tex]\(P_2O_5\)[/tex].

Based on this analysis:
- There are 2 atoms of phosphorus ([tex]\(P\)[/tex]) in [tex]\(P_2O_5\)[/tex].
- There are 5 atoms of oxygen ([tex]\(O\)[/tex]) in [tex]\(P_2O_5\)[/tex].

Therefore, the correct answer is:
- 2 phosphorus and 5 oxygen