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Multiple Choice
Which of the following chemical formulas represents that of a simple carbohydrate?
A
C2H2O2.
B
C6H12O6.
C
C5H4O3.
D
C3H6O9.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the general formula for simple carbohydrates, which is typically (CH2O)n, where n is a whole number.
Identify the ratio of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) in each given chemical formula to see if it fits the (CH2O)n pattern.
For C2H2O2, calculate the ratio: C: 2, H: 2, O: 2. Simplify the ratio to CHO, which does not fit the (CH2O)n pattern.
For C6H12O6, calculate the ratio: C: 6, H: 12, O: 6. Simplify the ratio to CH2O, which fits the (CH2O)n pattern with n=6.
For C5H4O3 and C3H6O9, calculate the ratios and check if they fit the (CH2O)n pattern. Neither fits the pattern, confirming C6H12O6 as the correct formula for a simple carbohydrate.