To determine the number of oxygen atoms in the chemical formula [tex]\(2 \text{Ca} \left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2\)[/tex], let's break down the components and their quantities step-by-step.
1. Identify the components: The given formula is [tex]\(2 \text{Ca} \left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2\)[/tex].
2. Analyze the subunit [tex]\( \text{ClO}_2 \)[/tex]:
- Each [tex]\( \text{ClO}_2 \)[/tex] group contains 2 oxygen atoms.
3. Analyze [tex]\( \left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2 \)[/tex]:
- Since we have [tex]\(\left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2\)[/tex], there are two [tex]\( \text{ClO}_2 \)[/tex] groups.
- Therefore, the total number of oxygen atoms in one of [tex]\( \left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2 \)[/tex] is [tex]\(2 \text{ groups} \times 2 \text{ oxygen atoms per group} = 4 \text{ oxygen atoms} \)[/tex].
4. Include the outer coefficient of 2:
- The entire compound is multiplied by 2, indicating there are 2 molecules of [tex]\( \text{Ca} \left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2 \)[/tex].
- Therefore, the total number of oxygen atoms in 2 molecules of [tex]\(2 \text{Ca} \left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2\)[/tex] is [tex]\(2 \text{ molecules} \times 4 \text{ oxygen atoms per molecule} = 8 \text{ oxygen atoms} \)[/tex].
Hence, the number of oxygen atoms in the chemical formula [tex]\(2 \text{Ca} \left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2\)[/tex] is [tex]\( \boxed{8} \)[/tex].
