* Break down the formula:
* Ca₃: This means there are 3 calcium (Ca) atoms.
* (PO₄)₂: This means there is a phosphate (PO₄) group, and there are 2 of these groups.
* P: Each phosphate group contains 1 phosphorus (P) atom.
* O: Each phosphate group contains 4 oxygen (O) atoms.
* Calculate the total number of each type of atom:
* Ca: 3 atoms
* P: 2 phosphate groups * 1 P atom/group = 2 atoms
* O: 2 phosphate groups * 4 O atoms/group = 8 atoms
* Total atoms: 3 + 2 + 8 = 13 atoms
Therefore, there are 13 atoms in a molecule of Ca₃(PO₄)₂.
