How many atoms of each element are in the chemical formula [tex]$Ca(OH)_2$[/tex]?

A. 1 calcium, 1 oxygen, and 1 hydrogen
B. 1 calcium, 2 oxygen, and 2 hydrogen
C. 2 calcium, 1 oxygen, and 2 hydrogen
D. 2 calcium, 2 oxygen, and 2 hydrogen



Answer :

To determine the number of atoms of each element in the chemical formula \( Ca(OH)_2 \), we'll analyze the structure of the compound step-by-step:

1. Identify the elements in the formula:
- The elements present in \( Ca(OH)_2 \) are Calcium (Ca), Oxygen (O), and Hydrogen (H).

2. Count the number of Calcium (Ca) atoms:
- In the formula, \( Ca \) is not within parentheses nor does it have any subscript. Thus, there is 1 Calcium atom.

3. Count the number of Oxygen (O) atoms:
- The \( OH \) group is within parentheses, and the subscript \( 2 \) outside the parentheses indicates there are 2 \( OH \) groups.
- Each \( OH \) group contains 1 Oxygen atom.
- Therefore, the total number of Oxygen atoms is \( 2 \times 1 = 2 \).

4. Count the number of Hydrogen (H) atoms:
- Similarly, each \( OH \) group contains 1 Hydrogen atom.
- With 2 \( OH \) groups, the total number of Hydrogen atoms is \( 2 \times 1 = 2 \).

So, there is 1 Calcium atom, 2 Oxygen atoms, and 2 Hydrogen atoms in the chemical formula \( Ca(OH)_2 \).

Hence, the correct answer is:

1 calcium, 2 oxygen, and 2 hydrogen.

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