Final answer:
In the formula for zinc nitrate, Zn(NO₃)₂, there are six oxygen atoms present since each nitrate ion contributes three oxygen atoms and there are two nitrate ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the compound zinc nitrate, Zn(NO₃)₂, the formula indicates that there are two nitrate ions NO₃- attached to one zinc ion Zn2+. Each nitrate ion has three oxygen atoms, so with two nitrate ions, we multiply three oxygen atoms by two to find the total number of oxygen atoms.
Number of oxygen atoms in one NO₃- = 3
Total number of oxygen atoms in Zn(NO₃)₂ = 3 × 2 = 6
Therefore, there are six oxygen atoms in the formula for zinc nitrate, Zn(NO₃)₂.