How many cations are there in 50.0 g of sodium phosphate? A)1.84 × 10²³ cations B)5.51 × 10²³ cations C)1.97 × 10²⁴ cations D)5.92 × 10²⁴ cations

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

First, determine the formula of sodium phosphate, which is $Na_3PO_4$. The molar mass of $Na_3PO_4$ is approximately 163.94 g/mol. For 50.0 g of sodium phosphate, the amount in moles is $50.0 \, \text{g} \div 163.94 \, \text{g/mol} = 0.305 \, \text{mol}$. Since there are three sodium ions ($Na^+$) for each formula unit of sodium phosphate, the total number of cations is $0.305 \, \text{mol} \times 3 = 0.915 \, \text{mol}$ of $Na^+$ ions. To find the number of cations, multiply by Avogadro's number ($6.022 \times 10^{23} \, \text{mol}^{-1}$): $0.915 \, \text{mol} \times 6.022 \times 10^{23} \, \text{mol}^{-1} = 5.51 \times 10^{23}$ cations.

How Many Cations Are There in 50