Answer: b. Ca(C 2H 3O 2) 2(H 2O) 10
Explanation: Ca(C2H3O2)2(H2O)10 is the chemical formula for calcium acetate decahydrate.
Let's examine the formula in detail:
The central atom in the compound, calcium, is represented by the chemical symbol Ca.
Two acetate ions (C2H3O2)2 are present and are each made up of two carbon atoms (C), three hydrogen atoms (H), and two oxygen atoms (O).
Ten water molecules are represented by the symbol (H2O)10, where each water molecule has two hydrogen atoms (H) and one oxygen atom (O).
In conclusion, calcium acetate decahydrate is made up of ten water molecules (H2O), two acetate ions (C2H3O2), and one calcium ion (Ca). The compound is known as a "decahydrate" because it contains ten water molecules per unit of the formula, indicating the presence of water molecules.