Question

How many atoms of cobalt are in one formula unit of cobalt (III) oxide? one two three six

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is two cobalt atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cobalt (III) oxide is a compound which is formed by the combination of cobalt and oxygen atoms.

The oxidation state of cobalt in the compound is +3 and the oxidation state of oxygen in the compound is -2.

Thus, by criss-cross method, the oxidation states of the ions becomes the subscipt of the other atom which represents the number of individual atoms in a compound. So, the chemical formula of cobalt (III) oxide becomes
`Co_2O_3`

In the given compound, 2 atoms of cobalt are present and 3 atoms of oxygen are there.

Thus, the correct answer is two cobalt atoms.

Answer 2

I believe the correct answer is the second option. There will be two cobalt atoms in one formula unit of cobalt (III) oxide. It has a chemical formula of Co2O3. This compound is does not naturally occur so it is being synthesized. It is mostly used as bleaching agent.