Answer to Question #115848 in Chemistry for Rachel

Question

How many atoms make up one molecule of cobal (II) monohydrogen phosphate

Answer 1

In order to answer this question, we must find the chemical formula of cobalt (II) monohydrogen phosphate.

The word cobalt(II) tells that the element cobalt Co is present in the formula in the form of ion with the oxidation number equal to +2. The word phosphate tells that PO₄^3- ion is also present. The word monohydrogen means that one hydrogen must be added to each of the phosphate anions, giving HPO₄^2-. As you see, the charges of the cation Co²⁺ and anion HPO₄^2- compensate, so no coefficients must be added. Therefore, the chemical formula of cobalt(II) monohydrogen phosphate is CoHPO₄.

According to this chemical formula, the number of atoms that make up one molecule of this compound is: 1(for cobalt) + 1(for hydrogen) + 1(for phosphorus) + 4(for oxygen) = 7.

Answer: 7 atoms make up one molecule of cobalt (II) monohydrogen phosphate.