Chapter 10, Problem 122A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of moles of sodium, phosphorus and oxygen should be calculated in sodium phosphate.

Concept introduction:

A formula that represents a certain combination of elements present in a molecule is known as a molecular formula. In a molecular formula, the simpler number of every atom is present in a molecule.

Answer to Problem 122A

Number of moles of sodium atoms in ${\text{Na}}_3{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$ = 3 moles

Number of moles of phosphorus atoms in ${\text{Na}}_3{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$ = 1 mole

Number of moles of oxygen atoms in ${\text{Na}}_3{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$ = 4 moles

Explanation of Solution

The molecular formula of sodium phosphate is ${\text{Na}}_3{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$.

Sodium phosphate consists of three types of atoms that are sodium ( $\text{Na}$ ), phosphorus ( $\text{P}$ ) and oxygen ( $\text{O}$ ).

The number of atoms present in the molecule is denoted by subscript.

According to the formula of sodium phosphate that is ${\text{Na}}_3{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$, it contains three atoms of sodium, one atom of phosphorus and four atoms of oxygen.

In one mole of ${\text{Na}}_3{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$, three moles of sodium, one mole of phosphorus and four moles of oxygen are present.

Number of moles of sodium atoms in ${\text{Na}}_3{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$ = 3 moles

Number of moles of phosphorus atoms in ${\text{Na}}_3{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$ = 1 mole

Number of moles of oxygen atoms in ${\text{Na}}_3{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$ = 4 moles