What is the number of hydrogen atoms in a molecule of calcium bicarbonate?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is option (3) 2.
Calcium bicarbonate, with the chemical formula Ca(HCO₃)₂, consists of one calcium (Ca) ion and two bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) ions. To determine the number of hydrogen atoms, let's break down the composition:
1. Each bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻) contains:
1 hydrogen atom (H)
1 carbon atom (C)
3 oxygen atoms (O)
2. Since there are two bicarbonate ions in calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO₃)₂), we need to multiply the number of hydrogen atoms in one bicarbonate ion by 2.
Therefore, the total number of hydrogen atoms in a molecule of calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO₃)₂) is 2.
So, the correct answer is 3. 2