177k views
1 vote
PLEASE HELP!

Count the total number of atoms in H 2 O:

2
3
4
5
6

User Liam Gray
by
7.6k points

2 Answers

6 votes

The total number of atoms is 3.

Make sure to not confuse elements with atoms. Elements are substances used in a chemical equation that cannot be broken down. There are two elements in H2O: hydrogen and oxygen.

Atoms in the compound is the number of elements. Hydrogen would be one atom, but since it has a subscript of 2, it would mean that there are two hydrogen atoms. Oxygen is another atom, however, it does not have a subscript. Don't make that fool you because there is actually a subscript which is the understood one. That is why there are three atoms.

Hope this helps!!!

User Wayne B
by
7.8k points
0 votes
3
two hydrogen and 1 oxygen
User Nandita
by
7.7k points