The chemical formula for magnesium phosphate is Mg3(PO4)2 How many moles of oxygen are present in 250 mol of magnesium phosphate? View Available Hint(s) 0 20.0 mol of O 750 molo O 10.0 mol of 400 mol of Submit
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: 1000 mol of O
Explanation:
The compound in question is magnesium phosphate, with the chemical formula: Mg3(PO4)2\text{Mg}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2
Step 1: Analyze the Formula
The formula tells us:
- There are 3 magnesium (Mg) atoms.
- The phosphate group is PO43−\text{PO}_4^{3-}, and there are 2 phosphate groups in the formula.
So we have:
- 2×P=22 \times \text{P} = 2 phosphorus atoms
- 2×O4=2×4=82 \times \text{O}_4 = 2 \times 4 = 8 oxygen atoms
So each formula unit of Mg₃(PO₄)₂ contains 8 oxygen atoms.
Step 2: Oxygen Atoms per Mole of Mg₃(PO₄)₂
Since one formula unit of magnesium phosphate has 8 oxygen atoms, 1 mole of magnesium phosphate has: 8 mol of O atoms8 \text{ mol of O atoms}
Therefore, 250 mol of Mg₃(PO₄)₂ contains: 250 mol×8 mol O/mol Mg3(PO4)2=2000 mol of O250 \text{ mol} \times 8 \text{ mol O/mol Mg}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2 = \boxed{2000 \text{ mol of O}}
Note: Earlier, the answer was mistakenly written as 1000 mol, but the correct calculation shows it should be 2000 mol of O.
Final Answer:
2000 mol of oxygen atoms\boxed{2000 \text{ mol of oxygen atoms}}
Why This is Important in Chemistry
Understanding how to break down chemical formulas into their elemental components is fundamental in stoichiometry — the part of chemistry that deals with quantitative relationships between reactants and products. In this problem, we are essentially counting how many oxygen atoms are present when we scale up a compound to a bulk quantity (250 mol).
Since oxygen often plays a major role in reactions — especially combustion, oxidation, and biological processes — knowing exactly how many moles of oxygen are present helps predict reaction yields, balance equations, and understand environmental impacts.
For example, in fertilizers or biological systems, phosphates like Mg₃(PO₄)₂ are common. The phosphate group contains oxygen atoms that may react or interact in different chemical pathways. So, in both lab and industrial settings, accurate molar calculations are vital for efficiency and safety.
