In `P_4 O_10`, the number of oxygen atoms bonded to each phosphorus atom is _____ .

Explanation

To determine the number of oxygen atoms bonded to each phosphorus atom in the compound \( P_4O_{10} \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of \( P_4O_{10} \)
The compound \( P_4O_{10} \) is known as tetraphosphorus decoxide. It has a specific molecular structure where phosphorus and oxygen atoms are arranged in a particular way.

**Hint:** Consider the general structure of phosphorus oxides to understand how the atoms are connected.

### Step 2: Analyze the Oxidation State of Phosphorus
In \( P_4O_{10} \), we need to find the oxidation state of phosphorus. The formula for calculating the oxidation state can be set up as follows:

\[ 4x + 10(-2) = 0 \]

Where \( x \) is the oxidation state of phosphorus.

**Hint:** Remember that oxygen typically has an oxidation state of -2.

### Step 3: Solve for the Oxidation State
Now, we can solve the equation:

\[ 4x - 20 = 0 \\ 4x = 20 \\ x = 5 \]

This means that the oxidation state of phosphorus in \( P_4O_{10} \) is +5.

**Hint:** The oxidation state gives insight into how many bonds phosphorus can form.

### Step 4: Determine the Number of Bonds
Phosphorus in the +5 oxidation state typically forms five bonds. In \( P_4O_{10} \), phosphorus is bonded to oxygen atoms.

**Hint:** Visualize how phosphorus can achieve its oxidation state through bonding with oxygen.

### Step 5: Identify the Bonding Arrangement
In \( P_4O_{10} \), each phosphorus atom is bonded to four oxygen atoms. The bonding includes:

- 4 single bonds with oxygen atoms.
- Some of these bonds may be double bonds, but the total number of oxygen atoms bonded to each phosphorus remains four.

**Hint:** Draw the structure if necessary to visualize the bonding clearly.

### Conclusion
Thus, the number of oxygen atoms bonded to each phosphorus atom in \( P_4O_{10} \) is **4**.

**Final Answer:** 4

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