Below are two different chemical formulas.

Question

Formula 1: CaCl2

Formula 2: CaC2


Which statements about the chemical symbols of the elements within each formula are correct? Select two.
A.
Both formulas contain one atom of the element aluminum.
B.
Both formulas contain one atom of the element calcium.
C.
Formula 2 contains two atoms of the element carbon.
D.
Both formulas contain the element carbon.

Answer 1

Let's analyze each formula:

• Formula 1: CaCl2

  • Contains:
    • 1 atom of Calcium (Ca)
    • 2 atoms of Chlorine (Cl)

• Formula 2: CaC2

  • Contains:
    • 1 atom of Calcium (Ca)
    • 2 atoms of Carbon (C)

Now, let's evaluate the statements:

A. Both formulas contain one atom of the element aluminum.

• Incorrect: Neither formula contains aluminum.

B. Both formulas contain one atom of the element calcium.

• Correct: Both formulas contain one atom of Calcium (Ca).

C. Formula 2 contains two atoms of the element carbon.

• Correct: Formula 2 (CaC2) contains two atoms of Carbon (C).

D. Both formulas contain the element carbon.

• Incorrect: Formula 1 (CaCl2) does not contain any carbon.

Thus, the two correct statements are: B and C.