What is the total number of O atoms in 6 formula units of hydroxyapetite, Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂, present in tooth enamel?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hydroxyapatite has the chemical formula Ca5(PO4)3(OH). In one formula unit, there are 3 PO4 groups and 1 OH group. Each PO4 group contains 4 O atoms, so 3 PO4 groups contain 12 O atoms. The OH group adds 1 more O atom, making a total of 13 O atoms per formula unit. For 6 formula units, the total number of O atoms is 6 * 13 = 78 O atoms from the PO4 and OH groups. However, the question seems to contain formatting errors, making it difficult to interpret the intended chemical formula. Assuming the formula meant to indicate additional oxygen atoms or groups not clearly specified due to formatting, the correct interpretation based on standard hydroxyapatite would be 78, which is not an option provided. Given the options and assuming a misinterpretation due to formatting, the closest match or a recalculated answer based on a corrected understanding of the formula is not directly derivable from the provided information. Therefore, the response is based on the standard formula of hydroxyapatite without considering potential formatting errors that might suggest additional oxygen-containing groups.

What Is the Total Number of O Atoms in 6