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Ch.3 - Molecules, Compounds & Chemical Equations
All textbooksTro 4th EditionCh.3 - Molecules, Compounds & Chemical EquationsProblem 24b,d
Chapter 3, Problem 24b,d

Determine the number of each type of atom in each formula. b. CuSO4 d. Mg(HCO3)2

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Identify each element in the chemical formula CuSO4. The formula contains copper (Cu), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O).
Determine the subscript for each element in the formula. Copper (Cu) has no subscript, indicating there is one atom of copper. Sulfur (S) also has no subscript, indicating one atom of sulfur. Oxygen (O) has a subscript of 4, indicating four atoms of oxygen.
Summarize the total number of atoms for each element: one copper atom, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms.
Verify that the formula is neutral and balanced in terms of charge, considering the typical oxidation states of the elements (Cu typically +2, S typically +6, and O typically -2).
Conclude that the formula CuSO4 consists of one copper atom, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chemical Formula Interpretation

A chemical formula represents the types and numbers of atoms in a compound. In the formula CuSO4, 'Cu' stands for copper, 'S' for sulfur, and 'O' for oxygen. The subscript '4' indicates that there are four oxygen atoms in the compound, while the absence of subscripts for Cu and S implies there is one of each.
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Element Symbols

Element symbols are one- or two-letter abbreviations used to represent chemical elements. For example, 'Cu' is the symbol for copper, 'S' for sulfur, and 'O' for oxygen. Understanding these symbols is essential for interpreting chemical formulas and identifying the elements present in a compound.
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Counting Atoms in Compounds

Counting atoms in a chemical formula involves identifying the number of each type of atom based on the symbols and subscripts. In CuSO4, there is 1 copper atom, 1 sulfur atom, and 4 oxygen atoms. This skill is fundamental in stoichiometry and helps in understanding the composition of substances.
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