To solve this problem, we need to calculate the total number of atoms in a water molecule (H₂O). Here's how it's done:
1. Understand the Formula: The chemical formula for water is H₂O. This means that each molecule of water consists of 2 hydrogen atoms (H) and 1 oxygen atom (O).
2. Count the Atoms:
- There are 2 hydrogen atoms in each water molecule.
- There is 1 oxygen atom in each water molecule.
3. Add Them Up:
- Total number of atoms in a water molecule = Number of hydrogen atoms + Number of oxygen atoms
- Total = 2 (H atoms) + 1 (O atom) = 3 atoms
Therefore, a water molecule (H₂O) contains a total of 3 atoms.