Question

Counting Atoms in Compound
1. 4K2CO3 K=___ C=___ O=___

Answer 1

K= 8
C=4
O= 12

The number after the letter shows how much of that atom there is.

The 4 shows there is 4 of each after it, so 4 of the K2, C, and O3. You would want to multiply the K2, C, and O3 by 4.

Answer 2

K = 8, C = 1, O = 12

Step-by-step explanation:

This question has to do with the atomicity of each atom in the compound. Atomicity is the total number of atoms that constitute a molecule.

In 4 moles of potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃), we have

K = 4 moles ₓ 2 atoms = 8 atoms

C = 4 moles ₓ 1 atom = 4 atoms

O = 4 moles ₓ 3 atoms = 12 atoms

NOTE: The "4" before the molecule signifies the number of moles (molecules) of K₂CO₃ which means it "affects" each of the atom that makes up the compound.