Question

the number 3 in 3o₂ indicates that there are (1 point)
3 subscripts
three molecules of o₂ (diatomic oxygen)
is the number of oxygen atoms
three atoms of oxygen

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of the coefficient 3 in \( 3O_2 \), we analyze chemical formula notation:

• A coefficient in front of a chemical formula multiplies the entire formula. \( O_2 \) represents a molecule of diatomic oxygen (2 oxygen atoms per molecule).
• The coefficient 3 means there are 3 such \( O_2 \) molecules.
• "3 subscripts" is incorrect (subscripts are the small numbers within the formula, like the 2 in \( O_2 \)).
• "Is the number of Oxygen atoms" is wrong (the total O atoms would be \( 3 \times 2 = 6 \), not 3).
• "Three atoms of Oxygen" is incorrect (3 molecules of \( O_2 \) contain 6 O atoms, not 3).

Answer:

Three molecules of \( O_2 \) (diatomic Oxygen)