Question

ow many atoms of each element are in 4Na3PO4?

3 sodium, 1 phosphorus, 4 oxygen
4 sodium, 4 phosphorus, 4 oxygen
12 sodium, 1 phosphorus, 4 oxygen
12 sodium, 4 phosphorus, 16 oxygen

Answer 1

Answer:  12 sodium, 4 phosphorus, 16 oxygen (Option D)

Explanation:

4Na₃PO₄

Each of the elements is multiplied by the number in front of the compound, and also by the subscript.

Therefore:

Number of Sodium (Na) = 4 × 3 = 12

Number of Phosphorous (P) = 4 × 1 = 4

Number of Oxygen (O) = 4 × 4 = 16