Chapter 7, Problem 1E

How many atoms of each element are in a formula unit of aluminum nitrate?

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of atoms of each element in a formula unit of aluminum nitrate is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

In a chemical formula, the number of atoms of each element is represented by the subscript written with each element. Some exceptions are also used in writing the chemical formula that is if the number of atoms of an element is $1$ then it is not mentioned in the formula.

Answer to Problem 1E

The number of aluminum atom, nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms in a formula unit of aluminum nitrate is $1,3$ and $9$ respectively.

Explanation of Solution

The chemical formula for aluminum nitrate is $\text{Al}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{3}}$. In this formula, the number of aluminum atoms is $1$. The number of nitrogen atoms is $3$ as the subscript of the bracket in which nitrogen atom is placed is $3$. The subscript of oxygen atom is written as $3$ which is placed in the bracket having subscript $3$. Therefore total number of oxygen atoms is equal to $9\left(3\times 3\right)$.

Thus, the number of aluminum atom, nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms in formula unit of aluminum nitrate is $1,3$ and $9$ respectively.

Conclusion

The number of aluminum atom, nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms in a formula unit of aluminum nitrate is $1,3$ and $9$ respectively.