1. Chemical Formula:

* Ferric sulfate has the chemical formula Fe₂(SO₄)₃.

2. Breaking Down the Formula:

* Fe₂: This indicates two iron (Fe) atoms.

* (SO₄)₃: This indicates three sulfate (SO₄) groups.

3. Atoms in the Sulfate Group:

* Each sulfate group contains one sulfur (S) atom and four oxygen (O) atoms, for a total of 5 atoms per sulfate group.

4. Total Atoms:

* Iron (Fe): 2 atoms

* Sulfur (S): 3 sulfate groups x 1 sulfur atom/group = 3 atoms

* Oxygen (O): 3 sulfate groups x 4 oxygen atoms/group = 12 atoms

5. Grand Total: 2 + 3 + 12 = 17 atoms

Therefore, there are 17 atoms in a molecule of ferric sulfate (Fe₂(SO₄)₃).