Nitroglycerin is an explosive manufactured from glycerin and nitric acid.If the formula is C₃H5O₃(NO₂)3,what is the number of atoms in one molecule?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formula C₃H5O₃(NO₂)3 indicates 3 carbon atoms, 5 hydrogen atoms, 3 oxygen atoms, and 3 nitrate groups (NO₂). Each nitrate group has 1 nitrogen and 2 oxygen atoms, so 3 nitrate groups contribute 3 nitrogen and 6 oxygen atoms. Adding them up: 3 (C) + 5 (H) + 3 (O) + 3 (N) + 6 (O) = 20 atoms.

Nitroglycerin Is an Explosive Manufactured from Glycerin and Nitric Acid