Here's how to break down the calculation for the number of atoms in Mg(C2H3O2)2:

1. Understand the Chemical Formula

* Mg: Magnesium (one atom)

* (C2H3O2): Acetate ion (this group appears twice)

* 2: Indicates two acetate ions are present

2. Calculate Atoms per Acetate Ion

* C: 2 Carbon atoms

* H: 3 Hydrogen atoms

* O: 2 Oxygen atoms

* Total: 2 + 3 + 2 = 7 atoms per acetate ion

3. Total Atoms in the Compound

* Mg: 1 atom

* C: 2 atoms per acetate ion x 2 acetate ions = 4 atoms

* H: 3 atoms per acetate ion x 2 acetate ions = 6 atoms

* O: 2 atoms per acetate ion x 2 acetate ions = 4 atoms

* Total: 1 + 4 + 6 + 4 = 15 atoms

Therefore, there are 15 atoms in one molecule of Mg(C2H3O2)2.