How many hydrogen atoms are in each of the following: (b) Ca1C2H5COO22?

Key Concepts

Chemical Formula Interpretation

Understanding chemical formulas is essential for identifying the number of atoms of each element in a compound. In the formula Ca1C2H5COO2, the subscripts indicate the number of each type of atom present. For example, 'C2' means there are two carbon atoms, while 'H5' indicates five hydrogen atoms.

Counting Atoms in Polyatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions, such as COO2 (the acetate ion), can contain multiple atoms of different elements. Recognizing that COO2 consists of two oxygen atoms and one carbon atom is crucial for accurate atom counting. This understanding helps in determining the total number of hydrogen atoms in the entire compound.

Valency and Hydrogen Atoms

The concept of valency helps in understanding how many hydrogen atoms can bond with other elements in a compound. In organic compounds, hydrogen typically forms one bond. Therefore, knowing the structure and bonding of the compound allows for the correct identification of hydrogen atoms, which is vital for solving the question.