To determine the total number of atoms in a compound, you need to consider the subscripts and coefficients in the chemical formula. Let's break down the compound 2Ca3(PO4)2 to count the total number of atoms.
The formula 2Ca3(PO4)2 indicates that there are two molecules of the entire compound.
In each molecule of the compound:
- There are 2 calcium atoms (Ca), as indicated by the subscript 3.
- There are 2 phosphate groups (PO4), as indicated by the subscript 2. Each phosphate group contains 1 phosphorus atom (P) and 4 oxygen atoms (O). So, there are 2 phosphorus atoms and 8 oxygen atoms in each phosphate group.
Therefore, the total number of atoms in 2Ca3(PO4)2 is:
2 molecules x (2 Ca atoms + 2 P atoms + 8 O atoms) = 2 x (2 + 2 + 8) = 2 x 12 = 24.
Thus, there are 24 atoms in 2Ca3(PO4)2.