Question

A scientist while working on an experiment found a compound with chemical formula $Fe(HC{O}_3{)}_3$. What is its atomicity?

• A. 16
• B. 6
• C. 8
• D. 15

Answer 1

The correct option is A 16

Atomicity of a molecule refers to the total number of atoms that constitute that molecule.

$Fe(HC{O}_3{)}_3$ has iron, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. It indicates that there are three $\left(HC{O}_3\right)$ ions and one $Fe$ ion.

$(HC{O}_3{)}_3$ has 3 carbon, 3 hydrogen and 9 oxygen atoms. Adding all of them together along with 1 iron atom gives a total of 16 atoms. Hence, atomicity of $(HC{O}_3{)}_3$ is 16.