To determine the number of atoms in a compound, you need to consider the subscripts in the chemical formula. In the case of Na2SO4, the subscripts indicate the number of atoms present for each element in the compound.
In Na2SO4, the subscript 2 after sodium (Na) indicates that there are two sodium atoms. The subscript 1 is typically omitted in chemical formulas, so it is understood that there is one sulfur (S) atom. The subscript 4 after oxygen (O) indicates that there are four oxygen atoms.
Therefore, in Na2SO4, there are:
- 2 sodium atoms (Na)
- 1 sulfur atom (S)
- 4 oxygen atoms (O)
In total, there are 2 + 1 + 4 = 7 atoms in Na2SO4.