Counting Atoms in Chemical Formulas

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Objective

I can identify the number of atoms for each element in a chemical formula.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

Teacher's Pet · 4:07

We don't generate video — this one is by Teacher's Pet on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    Element symbols with one letter are capitalized, while symbols with two letters have the first letter capitalized and the second letter lowercase.

  2. 2

    A subscript indicates the number of atoms for the element directly before it, and a coefficient multiplies all atoms in the entire chemical formula.

  3. 3

    When parentheses are present in a chemical formula, the subscript outside the parentheses multiplies everything inside them.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

10 questions

1

How many different elements are present in the chemical formula C6H12O6?

2

For the chemical formula P4O10, identify each element and state the number of atoms for each.

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

For the chemical formula 3Ca(NO₃)₂, identify each element present and state the total number of atoms for each element.

Sample answer included in the free materials

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Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

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Counting Atoms In Chemical Formulas Lesson Plan for 8th Grade | Free Science Lesson