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]
