How many oxygen atoms are present in 2.28 moles of nitric acid, \( \mathrm{HNO}_{3} \) ? a \( 1.37 \times 10^{24} \mathrm{O} \) atoms b \( 4.12 \times 10^{24} \mathrm{O} \) atoms c \( 7.29 \times 10^{23} \mathrm{O} \) atoms d \( 4.58 \times 10^{23} \mathrm{O} \) atoms

In nitric acid (\( \mathrm{HNO}_3 \)), each molecule contains three oxygen atoms. To find the total number of oxygen atoms in 2.28 moles of nitric acid, you can first multiply the number of moles by the number of molecules in a mole (Avogadro's number, \( 6.022 \times 10^{23} \)), and then multiply that by the three oxygen atoms present in each molecule. Doing the math, you get \( 2.28 \times 6.022 \times 10^{23} \times 3 \), which equals approximately \( 4.11 \times 10^{24} \) oxygen atoms, leading you to option b. Did you know that nitric acid has been historically important in the development of modern chemistry? It was first discovered in the 8th century by the alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan, known as the father of chemistry! He was fascinated by the properties of nitric acid, which led to groundbreaking discoveries in the field, setting the stage for the chemical advancements we enjoy today. In practice, nitric acid plays a crucial role in various industries, especially in the production of fertilizers and explosives. Its ability to dissolve metals and act as a strong oxidizing agent makes it invaluable in manufacturing processes. Understanding its properties can help you grasp why nitric acid is so widely used in these real-world applications and how it contributes to both agriculture and industries like explosives and dyes.