Final answer:
The chemical formula Ca(HCO3)2 contains 6 oxygen atoms because each bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) has 3 oxygen atoms and there are 2 bicarbonate ions in the formula. C. 6
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the number of oxygen atoms (O-atoms) in the chemical formula Ca(HCO3)2, we need to analyze the formula. This compound is calcium bicarbonate, and each bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) contains three oxygen atoms. Since there are two bicarbonate ions in the formula, we multiply 3 O-atoms in one HCO3- ion by 2 to find the total number of oxygen atoms in the formula:
3 O-atoms/ion × 2 ions = 6 O-atoms
Therefore, the correct answer is C. 6 O-atoms in the formula Ca(HCO3)2.