A molecule that contains only carbon and hydrogen is called a _.
A: carbohydrate
B: carbonyl
C: hydrocarbon
D: hydroxyl
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C: hydrocarbon.
Explanation:
A hydrocarbon is a molecule composed solely of two elements: carbon (C) and hydrogen (H). These molecules form the backbone of many organic compounds, and their structure consists of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. Hydrocarbons can be classified into different types based on the bonding between carbon atoms, such as alkanes (single bonds), alkenes (double bonds), alkynes (triple bonds), and aromatic hydrocarbons (involving ring structures like benzene). Hydrocarbons serve as the foundation for fuels (such as methane, propane, and gasoline) and many other chemical compounds.
To further clarify the other options:
- A: Carbohydrate: Carbohydrates are organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (C, H, O), not just carbon and hydrogen. They are important for providing energy to living organisms. Examples include sugars like glucose (C6H12O6) and starch.
- B: Carbonyl: The term carbonyl refers to a functional group, not a complete molecule. It consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (C=O). Carbonyl groups are found in various organic compounds, such as aldehydes and ketones. These compounds may contain other atoms, not just carbon and hydrogen.
- D: Hydroxyl: A hydroxyl group consists of a hydrogen atom bonded to an oxygen atom (-OH). This functional group is commonly found in alcohols, but it does not describe a molecule made up only of carbon and hydrogen.
In summary:
A hydrocarbon is the term for molecules made exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms. It is an essential group of organic compounds that are crucial for energy production and serve as the basis for many synthetic chemicals.