Counting Atoms in Chemical Formulas

Front

What does the subscript in a chemical formula indicate?

Back

The subscript indicates the number of atoms of the element in the molecule.

Front

In the formula C3H5(NO3)3, how many nitrogen (N) atoms are present?

Back

3 nitrogen atoms.

Front

How do you calculate the total number of atoms in a chemical formula?

Back

Add the number of atoms of each element together.

Front

What is the total number of atoms in the compound H2C3O4N5?

Back

14 total atoms.

Front

In the formula CH4COOH2, how many hydrogen (H) atoms are there?

Back

6 hydrogen atoms.

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

A coefficient is a number placed in front of a compound to indicate how many molecules are present.

Front

What is the difference between a coefficient and a subscript?

Back

A coefficient indicates the number of molecules, while a subscript indicates the number of atoms in a molecule.

Front

How many oxygen (O) atoms are in the formula C3H5(NO3)3?

Back

9 oxygen atoms.

Front

What does the term 'element symbol' refer to in a chemical formula?

Back

The element symbol is a one or two-letter abbreviation for an element, such as C for carbon or H for hydrogen.

Front

In the formula H2O, how many total atoms are there?

Back

3 total atoms (2 hydrogen and 1 oxygen).