Select the model of a molecule composed of one carbon atom, two hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms.

Question

H

C

O



What is the chemical formula for the substance composed of these molecules?

Answer 1

The molecule composed of one carbon atom, two hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms can be represented as follows:

• 1 Carbon (C)
• 2 Hydrogen (H)
• 2 Oxygen (O)

The chemical formula for this substance is C2H4O2. This is the formula for acetic acid (or ethanoic acid), which is a common organic compound.