Question

How many atoms are present in an (i) ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{S}$ molecule and (ii) ${{\mathrm{PO}}_4}^{-3}$ion?

Answer 1

(i) ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{S}$:

• The gas is colourless with the repellant odour of rotten eggs.
• It is a highly corrosive, flammable, and poisonous gas.
• The structure of Hydrogen sulfide is similar to that of water.
• In a ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{S}$ molecule, three atoms are present in total. Amongst the three, two are hydrogen and one is sulphur.

(ii) ${{\mathrm{PO}}_4}^{-3}$:

• It is a trivalent inorganic anion and a conjugate base of hydrogen phosphate.
• It is composed of salts containing the phosphate ion, the dihydrogen phosphate ion, or the hydrogen phosphate ion.
• ${{\mathrm{PO}}_4}^{-3}$is a chemical derivative of phosphoric acid with the chemical name Phosphate.
• In an ${{\mathrm{PO}}_4}^{-3}$ ion, five atoms are present in total. Amongst five, one is of phosphorus, and four atoms are of oxygen.