How many K+ ions are contained in 5.96 mol K3PO4?

Question

Can someone please explain to me how to approach this question... I'm a little bit confuse.

Answer 1

Let's rewrite the formula in terms of ions

K3PO4 = (K+)3(PO4)3-

So,

     In 1 mole of K3PO4 there are 3 moles of K+ ions

     In 5.96 moles of K3PO4 there are (3 X 5.96) moles of  K+

     ----------------------------------------...    17.88 moles of K+  

Then,

         1 mole contains 6.0 X 10^23 ions

         17.88 moles contain (17.88 X (6.0 X 10^23)) ions

Answer = 17.88 X 6.0 X 10^23

Answer 2

1 mol K3PO4 contains 3 mol of K+ ions

5.96 mol K3PO4 contains 17.88 mol K+ ions

17.88 mol x 6.022x10^23 atoms/mol = 1.077x10^25 K+ ions