The formula of acetic acid is C2H4O2. How many atoms is acetic acid composed of?
A. 6 B. 8 C. 4 D. 3
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. 8.
Explanation:
Acetic acid has the chemical formula C₂H₄O₂. This formula tells us the number of atoms of each element in one molecule of acetic acid. Let’s break down the components:
- C₂: The “C” represents carbon (C), and the subscript “2” means there are 2 carbon atoms.
- H₄: The “H” represents hydrogen (H), and the subscript “4” means there are 4 hydrogen atoms.
- O₂: The “O” represents oxygen (O), and the subscript “2” means there are 2 oxygen atoms.
Now, to find the total number of atoms in one molecule of acetic acid, we add up the atoms of each element:
- 2 carbon atoms (C)
- 4 hydrogen atoms (H)
- 2 oxygen atoms (O)
Adding them together:
2 (carbon) + 4 (hydrogen) + 2 (oxygen) = 8 atoms total
Thus, acetic acid is composed of 8 atoms in total.
Why the other answers are incorrect:
- A. 6 atoms: This is incorrect because the number of atoms in acetic acid, as calculated above, is 8, not 6.
- C. 4 atoms: This is incorrect because it underestimates the number of atoms. The molecule contains 2 carbon atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms, totaling 8.
- D. 3 atoms: This answer is incorrect as well. It significantly undercounts the atoms in the molecule. The correct total is 8 atoms.
In summary, acetic acid (C₂H₄O₂) consists of 8 atoms: 2 carbon atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms, making the correct answer B. 8.