How Many Zn Atoms Are In $Zn \left( ClO _3\right)_2$?A. 1 B. 6 C. 2 D. 3

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Understanding the Chemical Formula

To determine the number of Zn atoms in Zn(ClO3)2, we need to understand the chemical formula. The formula Zn(ClO3)2 represents a compound composed of zinc (Zn) and chlorate (ClO3) ions. The subscript 2 after ClO3 indicates that there are two chlorate ions for every one zinc ion.

Breaking Down the Formula

Let's break down the formula to understand its components:

  • Zn: This represents one zinc atom.
  • (ClO3): This represents one chlorate ion, which is composed of one chlorine atom and three oxygen atoms.
  • 2: This subscript indicates that there are two chlorate ions for every one zinc ion.

Determining the Number of Zn Atoms

Now that we understand the components of the formula, we can determine the number of Zn atoms. The subscript 2 after ClO3 indicates that there are two chlorate ions for every one zinc ion. However, the subscript 2 only applies to the chlorate ions, not the zinc atom. Therefore, the formula Zn(ClO3)2 still represents one zinc atom.

Conclusion

Based on the chemical formula Zn(ClO3)2, there is only 1 zinc atom.

Key Takeaways

  • The subscript 2 after ClO3 in the formula Zn(ClO3)2 indicates that there are two chlorate ions for every one zinc ion.
  • The subscript 2 only applies to the chlorate ions, not the zinc atom.
  • Therefore, the formula Zn(ClO3)2 still represents one zinc atom.

Common Mistakes

  • Some students may mistakenly think that the subscript 2 applies to the zinc atom, resulting in an incorrect answer of 2 or 3 zinc atoms.
  • However, the subscript 2 only applies to the chlorate ions, not the zinc atom.

Real-World Applications

Understanding the chemical formula and the number of atoms in a compound is crucial in various fields, including chemistry, physics, and materials science. For example, in the production of batteries, the number of zinc atoms in a compound can affect the battery's performance and lifespan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct answer to the question "How many Zn atoms are in Zn(ClO3)2?" is 1. This is because the subscript 2 after ClO3 in the formula only applies to the chlorate ions, not the zinc atom.

Final Thoughts

Understanding chemical formulas and the number of atoms in a compound is essential in chemistry and other related fields. By breaking down the formula and understanding its components, we can determine the number of atoms in a compound and apply this knowledge to real-world applications.

References

  • [1] "Chemical Formulas and Compounds." Chemistry LibreTexts, Libretexts, 2022.
  • [2] "Zinc Chlorate." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2022.

Glossary

  • Chemical Formula: A way of expressing the composition of a compound using chemical symbols and subscripts.
  • Subscript: A number or symbol written below the main symbol in a chemical formula, indicating the number of atoms of a particular element.
  • Zinc (Zn): A chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30.
  • Chlorate (ClO3): A chemical compound composed of one chlorine atom and three oxygen atoms.

Q: What is the chemical formula for zinc chlorate?

A: The chemical formula for zinc chlorate is Zn(ClO3)2.

Q: How many zinc atoms are in Zn(ClO3)2?

A: There is only 1 zinc atom in Zn(ClO3)2.

Q: What does the subscript 2 after ClO3 in the formula Zn(ClO3)2 represent?

A: The subscript 2 after ClO3 in the formula Zn(ClO3)2 represents that there are two chlorate ions for every one zinc ion.

Q: Does the subscript 2 apply to the zinc atom or the chlorate ion?

A: The subscript 2 only applies to the chlorate ion, not the zinc atom.

Q: What is the difference between Zn(ClO3)2 and Zn(ClO3)?

A: The difference between Zn(ClO3)2 and Zn(ClO3) is that Zn(ClO3)2 has two chlorate ions for every one zinc ion, while Zn(ClO3) has only one chlorate ion for every one zinc ion.

Q: What is the significance of understanding chemical formulas and the number of atoms in a compound?

A: Understanding chemical formulas and the number of atoms in a compound is crucial in various fields, including chemistry, physics, and materials science. It can affect the performance and lifespan of batteries, the properties of materials, and the behavior of chemical reactions.

Q: Can you provide examples of real-world applications of understanding chemical formulas and the number of atoms in a compound?

A: Yes, here are a few examples:

  • In the production of batteries, the number of zinc atoms in a compound can affect the battery's performance and lifespan.
  • In the production of semiconductors, the number of atoms in a compound can affect the material's electrical properties.
  • In the production of pharmaceuticals, the number of atoms in a compound can affect the drug's efficacy and safety.

Q: How can I determine the number of atoms in a compound?

A: To determine the number of atoms in a compound, you need to understand the chemical formula and the subscripts used. You can break down the formula into its components and count the number of atoms of each element.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with chemical formulas and the number of atoms in a compound?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid include:

  • Misinterpreting the subscripts used in a chemical formula
  • Failing to understand the difference between the number of atoms of each element in a compound
  • Not considering the significance of the number of atoms in a compound in real-world applications

Q: Where can I find more information about chemical formulas and the number of atoms in a compound?

A: You can find more information about chemical formulas and the number of atoms in a compound in various resources, including:

  • Chemistry textbooks and online resources
  • Scientific journals and articles
  • Online forums and communities dedicated to chemistry and related fields

Q: What are some key takeaways from this article?

A: Some key takeaways from this article include:

  • Understanding chemical formulas and the number of atoms in a compound is crucial in various fields, including chemistry, physics, and materials science.
  • The subscript 2 after ClO3 in the formula Zn(ClO3)2 represents that there are two chlorate ions for every one zinc ion.
  • The subscript 2 only applies to the chlorate ion, not the zinc atom.
  • Understanding chemical formulas and the number of atoms in a compound can affect the performance and lifespan of batteries, the properties of materials, and the behavior of chemical reactions.