Answer:
No, a compound containing 12 atoms of sodium and 15 atoms of oxygen could not be sodium carbonate. When its ratio of atoms is reduced to the lowest terms, it is not the same as sodium carbonate. 4:5 ≠ 2:3
Step-by-step explanation:
Use ratios to solve this problem.
In sodium carbonate, the ratio for the number of atoms for sodium to oxygen (sodium:oxygen) is 2:3.
Check if the ratio for the compound with the ratio 12:15 is equal to 2:3.
Reduce the ratio 12:15 to lowest terms, just like how you would reduce a fraction. Find the GCF (greatest common factor). The left and right sides are both divisible by 3.
12/3 = 4
15/3 = 5
The ratio in the compound is 4:5.
4:5 ≠ 2:3
Since the ratios are not the same, the compound is not sodium carbonate.
