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 it down step-by-step:
1. Start by analyzing the subunit [tex]\(\text{Ca} \left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2 \)[/tex]:
- Each [tex]\(\text{ClO}_2\)[/tex] unit contains 2 oxygen atoms.
- There are 2 [tex]\(\text{ClO}_2\)[/tex] units within the compound [tex]\(\text{Ca} \left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2\)[/tex].
- Therefore, the total number of oxygen atoms in one [tex]\(\text{Ca} \left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2\)[/tex] unit is [tex]\(2 \times 2 = 4\)[/tex].
2. Now, consider that there are 2 of these [tex]\(\text{Ca} \left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2\)[/tex] units in the overall chemical formula [tex]\(2 \text{Ca} \left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2\)[/tex]:
- Thus, the total number of oxygen atoms is [tex]\(2 \times 4 = 8\)[/tex].
In conclusion, the number of oxygen atoms in the chemical formula [tex]\(2 \text{Ca} \left( \text{ClO}_2 \right)_2\)[/tex] is [tex]\(8\)[/tex].
So, the correct answer is:
8
