COUNT ATOM How to count atoms
2H 2 O COEFFICIENT SUBSCRIPT
2H 2 O The coefficient gets applied to the ENTIRE formula -this means that there are 2 molecules of water present! -you MULTIPLY this number by every subscript in the formula
2H 2 O 2MOLECULES!!!!
2H 2 O The subscript only gets applied to the element it follows -If there is no subscript present, it is assumed that there is only 1 atom of that element in the molecule.
How many hydrogen atoms are present? 4 How many oxygen atoms are present? 2
The easiest way to count atoms: 1. Write down all of the symbols for all of the elements present in the formula 2. If there is a coefficient, write this number next to each of the symbols 3. Multiply the coefficient by the subscripts of each of the elements present in the formula
Let’s try an example: 4CaCO 3
1. Write down symbols 4CaCO 3 Ca C O
Write down the coefficient next to each symbol 4CaCO 3 Ca C O
Multiply by the subscript 4CaCO 3 Ca C O XXXXXX
Multiply… 4CaCO 3 Ca C O XXXXXX ====== 4 12
Add totals together to get the total amount of atoms 4CaCO 3 Ca C O XXXXXX ====== atoms
3CO 2
2C 6 H 12 O 6 GLUCOSE
2C 6 H 12 O 6
6K 2 SO 4
CaMg(CO 3 ) 2
3Pb(NO 3 ) 2