Question

which statement correctly compares barium nitrate (ba(no₃)₂) and scandium nitrate (sc(no₃)₃)? they contain the same number of no₃ groups. they contain the same number of oxygen atoms. they contain the same total number of atoms. they contain the same number of elements.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze number of $NO_3$ groups

In $Ba(NO_3)_2$, there are 2 $NO_3$ groups. In $Sc(NO_3)_3$, there are 3 $NO_3$ groups. So they don't have the same number of $NO_3$ groups.

Step2: Analyze number of oxygen atoms

In $Ba(NO_3)_2$, the number of oxygen atoms is $2\times3 = 6$. In $Sc(NO_3)_3$, the number of oxygen atoms is $3\times3=9$. So they don't have the same number of oxygen atoms.

Step3: Analyze total number of atoms

In $Ba(NO_3)_2$, total atoms: $1 + 2\times(1 + 3)=9$. In $Sc(NO_3)_3$, total atoms: $1+3\times(1 + 3)=13$. So they don't have the same total number of atoms.

Step4: Analyze number of elements

Both $Ba(NO_3)_2$ and $Sc(NO_3)_3$ contain 3 elements: barium (Ba) or scandium (Sc), nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O).

Answer:

They contain the same number of elements.