COUNTING ATOMS
RULES FOR COUNTING ATOMS SUBSCRIPTS (baby numbers)= (# of atoms) only refer to the element that they are BEHIND. For example… H2S There are TWO atoms of HYDROGEN and only ONE atom of SULFUR.**No number = 1**
“We Do” 1. Ca2O Element: _______ # of Atoms: ______ HgCO3
“You Do” 1. PbSO3 Element: _______ # of Atoms: ______ NH4OH
COEFFICIENTS COEFFICIENTS (BIG # in front) apply to the entire compound. You MULTIPLY the coefficients and SUBSCRIPTS. 2 H2S ATOMS OF HYDROGEN: ATOMS OF SULFUR: 2 x 2 = 4 1 x 2 = 2 IF THERE ISN’T A SUBSCRIPT BEHIND AN ELEMENT, ASSUME THERE IS ONLY ONE ATOM OF THAT ELEMENT!
“We Do” 1. 4Ca2O Element: _______ # of Atoms: ______ 2HgCO3
“You Do” 1. 3PbSO3 Element: _______ # of Atoms: ______ 4NH4OH
PARENTHESES 3. If elements or compounds are inside of PARENTHESES, then the SUBSCRIPT behind the parentheses applies to everything inside the parentheses ONLY. Ba(OH)2 ATOMS OF BARIUM: ATOMS OF OXYGEN: ATOMS OF HYDROGEN: 1 2 2
“We Do” “You Do” Ca3(PO4)2 Al2(SO4)3 Element: _______ # of Atoms: ______ “You Do” Al2(SO4)3 Element: _______ # of Atoms: ______
What about this BAD BOY??? 2Ca3(PO4)2