Answer: 0.74 moles
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step is to figure out the chemical formula for calcium phosphate. Since we know that calcium is a metal, this will be an ionic bond. Calcium is written as Ca and has a charge of +2. Phosphate is written as PO4 with a charge of -3. To come up with the subscripts for this formula, cross the charges. That means that you will get
.
Next, calculate how many grams one molecule of calcium is. Calcium has an atomic weight of 40, and there are 3 molecules of calcium, so 40 x 3 = 120. Phosphorus has an atomic weight of 31, and there are 2 molecules of phosphorus, so 31 x 2 = 62. Oxygen has an atomic weight of 16, and there are 8 molecules of oxygen, so 16 x 8 = 128. Adding all of those together gives you 310 g.
Now, using stoichiometry, we can figure out the question. We know that there are 230 grams. We also know that one mole weighs 310 g. If you divide 230 by 310, you will get your answer, which is 0.74 moles.