Counting Atoms

Front

What is an atom?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

Front

What is a molecule?

Back

A molecule is a group of two or more atoms bonded together.

Front

How do you count atoms in a chemical formula?

Back

Count the number of each type of atom indicated by the subscripts in the formula.

Front

What does a subscript in a chemical formula indicate?

Back

A subscript indicates the number of atoms of the element that precedes it.

Front

In the formula 3C2HAu5, how many total Carbon (C) atoms are there?

Back

6 (3 multiplied by 2).

Front

In the formula CN6Fe2, how many total atoms are there?

Back

9 (1 C + 6 N + 2 Fe).

Front

How many different elements are in the formula CO2H5?

Back

3 (C, O, H).

Front

In the formula HʒC5O4, how many Carbon (C) atoms are there?

Back

5.

Front

What is the total number of atoms in the formula 2H2O?

Back

6 (2 H2O = 2*2 H + 2 O).

Front

What is the difference between an element and a compound?

Back

An element is a pure substance made of one type of atom, while a compound is made of two or more different types of atoms bonded together.