This problem can be solved directly using stoichiometry. We can actually see that for every mol of P4O10, there are 4 moles of P. Therefore the total moles of P is:
moles P = 88.5 moles P4O10 * (4 moles P / 1 mole P4O10)
moles P = 354 moles P
Answer : The number of moles of phosphorous are 354 moles.
Explanation :
The formula of given compound is, [tex]P_4O_{10}[/tex]
In [tex]P_4O_{10}[/tex] compound, there 4 moles of phosphorus and 10 moles of oxygen.
As we are given that the moles of [tex]P_4O_{10}[/tex] is 88.5 mole. Now we have to determine the number of moles of phosphorous (P).
As, 1 mole of [tex]P_4O_{10}[/tex] has 4 moles of phosphorous
So, 88.5 mole of [tex]P_4O_{10}[/tex] has [tex]4\times 88.5=354moles[/tex] of phosphorous
Therefore, the number of moles of phosphorous are 354 moles.
