Final answer:
In the compound Sn3(PO3)4, there are 3 atoms of tin (Sn), 4 atoms of phosphorus (P), and 12 atoms of oxygen (O).
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked: How many atoms of each type are in Sn3(PO3)4? To answer this, we shall first understand the compound's molecular formula, which represents the numbers of atoms of each element within a molecule. The compound Sn3(PO3)4 consists of three atoms of tin (Sn), four phosphorus (P) atoms, because there are four PO3 groups and each contains one phosphorus atom, and twelve oxygen (O) atoms, because each PO3 group contains three oxygen atoms and there are four of these groups.
The breakdown is as follows:
- Tin (Sn): 3 atoms
- Phosphorus (P): 4 atoms
- Oxygen (O): 4 groups × 3 atoms/group = 12 atoms