Question

the chemical formula for calcium bicarbonate is: ca(hco₃)₂. how many carbon atoms are in each formula unit of calcium bicarbonate?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the chemical formula

The formula is $Ca(HCO_3)_2$. The sub - script outside the parentheses multiplies the elements inside the parentheses.

Step2: Count carbon atoms

The $HCO_3$ group has 1 carbon atom, and since there are 2 $HCO_3$ groups (due to the sub - script 2 outside the parentheses), the total number of carbon atoms is $1\times2 = 2$.

Answer:

2