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What is the formula for diphosphorus pentoxide?

A. [tex]PO _5[/tex]
B. [tex]P _2 O _5[/tex]
C. [tex]P _5 O[/tex]
D. [tex]P _5 O _2[/tex]


Sagot :

To determine the correct chemical formula for diphosphorus pentoxide, let's break down the name and the corresponding elements and their quantities:

1. Diphosphorus:
- The prefix "di-" means two. Therefore, you will have two phosphorus (P) atoms.

2. Pentoxide:
- The prefix "penta-" means five. Therefore, you will have five oxygen (O) atoms.

Combining these, the formula should reflect two phosphorus atoms and five oxygen atoms.

Given the options:
A. \( PO_5 \) – This implies one phosphorus and five oxygen atoms, which does not match the "di-" prefix for phosphorus.

B. \( P_2O_5 \) – This correctly reflects two phosphorus atoms and five oxygen atoms.

C. \( P_5O \) – This implies five phosphorus atoms and one oxygen atom, which does not match the prefixes "di-" and "penta-".

D. \( P_5O_2 \) – This implies five phosphorus atoms and two oxygen atoms, which again does not match the prefixes "di-" and "penta-".

Therefore, the correct answer is:
B. [tex]\( P_2O_5 \)[/tex]