Let's analyze the molecular formula of calcium hydrogen carbonate, [tex]\( Ca(HCO_3)_2 \)[/tex].
1. Identify the components of the formula: The formula [tex]\( Ca(HCO_3)_2 \)[/tex] is made up of one calcium ion ([tex]\( Ca^{2+} \)[/tex]) and two hydrogen carbonate ions ([tex]\( HCO_3^- \)[/tex]).
2. Break down the hydrogen carbonate ion: Each [tex]\( HCO_3^- \)[/tex] ion contains one hydrogen (H) atom, one carbon (C) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms.
3. Determine the number of [tex]\( HCO_3 \)[/tex] units: According to the formula [tex]\( Ca(HCO_3)_2 \)[/tex], there are two hydrogen carbonate (HCO_3) ions.
4. Calculate the total hydrogen atoms:
- Each [tex]\( HCO_3 \)[/tex] unit has 1 hydrogen atom.
- Given two [tex]\( HCO_3 \)[/tex] units, we multiply the number of hydrogen atoms by 2.
Hence, the total number of hydrogen atoms, [tex]\( N_H \)[/tex], is:
[tex]\[
N_H = 2 \times 1 = 2
\][/tex]
So, the integer value for the number of hydrogen atoms in [tex]\( Ca(HCO_3)_2 \)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[
N_{ H } = 2
\][/tex]
