Question

which answer best represents the elements and atoms of each element present in naal(so₄)₂? a 1 atom of sodium, 1 atom of aluminum, 2 atoms of sulfur, and 8 atoms of oxygen b 2 atoms of sodium, 2 atoms of aluminum, 2 atoms of sulfur, and 8 atoms of oxygen c 2 atoms of nitrogen, 2 atoms of aluminum, 1 atom of sodium, and 4 atoms of oxygen d 1 atom of nitrogen, 1 atom of aluminum, 2 atoms of sodium, and 4 atoms of oxygen

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the chemical formula

The formula is NaAl(SO₄)₂.

Step2: Count sodium atoms

There is 1 Na atom as there is no sub - script next to Na.

Step3: Count aluminum atoms

There is 1 Al atom as there is no sub - script next to Al.

Step4: Count sulfur atoms

The sub - script 2 outside the parentheses affects the S atom inside. So, there are 2 S atoms.

Step5: Count oxygen atoms

The sub - script 4 for O is inside the parentheses and the 2 outside the parentheses multiplies it. So, 4×2 = 8 O atoms.

Answer:

A. 1 atom of sodium, 1 atom of aluminum, 2 atoms of sulfur, and 8 atoms of oxygen