The tota number of P-O bonds in `P_(4)O_(10)` is

Explanation

To determine the total number of P-O bonds in the compound \( P_4O_{10} \), 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 \( P_4O_{10} \) can be visualized as a central phosphorus atom bonded to oxygen atoms.

### Step 2: Draw the Structure
In \( P_4O_{10} \), each phosphorus atom is bonded to oxygen atoms. The structure can be drawn as follows:
- Each phosphorus atom is bonded to three oxygen atoms through single bonds.
- Additionally, there are four oxygen atoms that are doubly bonded to phosphorus atoms.

### Step 3: Count the Bonds
Now, let's count the P-O bonds:
1. Each of the 4 phosphorus atoms is connected to 3 oxygen atoms through single bonds. This gives:
\[ 4 \text{ P atoms} \times 3 \text{ single bonds} = 12 \text{ P-O single bonds} \]

2. Next, we have 4 P=O double bonds. Each double bond consists of 1 P-O bond. Thus, we have:
\[ 4 \text{ P=O double bonds} = 4 \text{ P-O bonds} \]

### Step 4: Total P-O Bonds
Now, we can sum the total number of P-O bonds:
\[ \text{Total P-O bonds} = 12 \text{ (from single bonds)} + 4 \text{ (from double bonds)} = 16 \]

### Conclusion
The total number of P-O bonds in \( P_4O_{10} \) is **16**.

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