Question

How many atoms of each element are in the chemical formula P2O5?

2 phosphorus and 5 oxygen
5 phosphorus and 2 oxygen
1 phosphorus and 5 oxygen
2 phosphorus and 1 oxygen

Answer 1

2 phosphorus and 5 oxygen atoms

Answer 2

`\boxed {\tt A. \ 2 \ phosphorus \ and \ 5 \ oxygen}`

Step-by-step explanation:

We are given the chemical formula:

`\sf P_2O_5`

The subscript of 2 comes after the P. The element P is phosphorous, so there are 2 phosphorous atoms.

The subscript of 5 comes after the O. The element O is oxygen, so there are also 5 oxygen atoms.

Therefore the correct answer is A. 2 phosphorous and 5 oxygen