Question

For the mineral torbernite, Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2⋅8H2O, determine the ratio, by number, of H atoms to O atoms

Answer 1

The ratio by number of H atoms to O atoms is: 4:5

Step-by-step explanation:

The mineral torbernite, :
`Cu(UO_2)_2(PO_4)2⋅8H_2O`

Number of oxygen atoms in the mineral :

=
`2* 2+4* 2+8* 1=20`

Number of hydrogen atoms in the mineral :

=
`8* 2=16`

The ratio by number of H atoms to O atoms is:

`(16)/(20)=(4)/(5)=4:5`

Answer 2

H:O = 4:5; (UO₂)₂ = 4 O atoms; (PO₄)₂ = 8 O atoms: 8H₂O = 16 H atoms + 8 O atoms; Total = 16 H atoms + 20 O atoms; H:O = 16:20 = 4:5