Notation Can Make Problems Look Harder Than They Are

question 65

Multiple Choice

Notation can make problems look harder than they are. Water with formula H₂O has 2 atoms of hydrogen for each atom of oxygen. A molecule of nicotine, C₁₀H₁₄N₂, has 10 atoms of carbon, 14 atoms of hydrogen, and 2 atoms of nitrogen. What is the ratio of atoms in the following chemical formula? (Ca is calcium) CaCO₃

• A) 1 calcium to 1 carbon to 1 oxygen
• B) 3 calcium to 1 carbon to 1 oxygen
• C) 1 calcium to 3 carbon to 1 oxygen
• D) 1 calcium to 1 carbon to 3 oxygen
• E) 3 calcium to 3 carbon to 3 oxygen

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Definitions:

Ionic Compound

An ionic compound is a chemical compound composed of ions held together by electrostatic forces termed ionic bonding, typically formed between metal cations and non-metal anions.

Phosphorus

A reactive, non-metallic element found in Group 15 of the periodic table, essential for life.

Calcium

A chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20, a reactive, pale yellow metal that forms compounds with many other elements.

Ionic Formula

A notation that represents the composition of an ionic compound by showing the ratio of ions present in the compound.