Does 5SO32- have 8 oxygens or 15? Im majorly overthinking...

1 Answer
Mar 21, 2018

You gots FIVE formula units of #"sulfite dianion..."#

Explanation:

You might see it if you format it...i.e.

#5SO_3^(2-)#...i.e. in total five sulfur atoms, 15 oxygen atoms, and a FORMAL charge of #-10#. Capisce?

How many oxygens in 5 moles of #SO_4^(2-)#?