When potash alum is dissolved completely in an aqueous solution, it dissociates into its constituent ions. What is the ratio of the total number of oxygen atoms present in the anhydrous part of the salt to the total number of ions produced in the solution per formula unit?

Step-by-step solution

The chemical formula of potash alum is K ₂ SO ₄ Al ₂( SO ₄)₃ 24 H ₂ O . The anhydrous part of the salt is K ₂ SO ₄ Al ₂( SO ₄)₃ . The number of oxygen atoms in the anhydrous part = 4 (from K ₂ SO ₄ ) + 3 4 (from Al ₂( SO ₄)₃ ) = 4 + 12 = 16 . Upon complete dissociation in aqueous solution, one formula unit produces: K ₂ SO ₄ Al ₂( SO ₄)₃ 24 H ₂ O 2 K ^+ + 2 Al ³⁺ + 4 SO ₄²⁻ + 24 H ₂ O Total number of ions produced = 2 (potassium) + 2 (aluminium) + 4 (sulfate) = 8 ions. The ratio of oxygen atoms in the anhydrous par