How many P-O-P bonds are present in `P_(4)O_(10)` ?

Answer

To determine the number of P-O-P bonds in \( P_4O_{10} \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of \( P_4O_{10} \)
- The molecular formula \( P_4O_{10} \) indicates that there are 4 phosphorus (P) atoms and 10 oxygen (O) atoms.
- The structure of \( P_4O_{10} \) consists of a central phosphorus atom connected to oxygen atoms, which in turn connect to other phosphorus atoms.

### Step 2: Visualize the Bonding
- In the structure of \( P_4O_{10} \), phosphorus atoms are connected to oxygen atoms.
- Each phosphorus atom is typically bonded to one or more oxygen atoms, and these oxygen atoms can also connect to other phosphorus atoms.

### Step 3: Identify P-O-P Bonds
- A P-O-P bond is formed when a phosphorus atom is connected to an oxygen atom, which is then connected to another phosphorus atom.
- In the structure, you can visualize or draw the connections to see how many such bonds exist.

### Step 4: Count the P-O-P Bonds
- By examining the structure, you can count the number of P-O-P bonds:
- Start from one phosphorus atom and trace the connections to the oxygen and then to the next phosphorus atom.
- Continue this process until all connections are accounted for.

### Step 5: Conclusion
- After counting, you will find that there are a total of **6 P-O-P bonds** in \( P_4O_{10} \).

### Final Answer:
The number of P-O-P bonds in \( P_4O_{10} \) is **6**.

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