Multiple Choice
Which of the following terms correctly applies to a molecule of CO2?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Molecular Formula
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Which of the following best describes the molecular formula of oxygen gas?
A
O
B
O_3
C
O_2
D
2O
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the molecular formula represents the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.
Recall that oxygen gas commonly exists as a diatomic molecule, meaning it consists of two oxygen atoms bonded together.
Recognize that the molecular formula for diatomic oxygen is written as \(O_2\), indicating two oxygen atoms per molecule.
Note that \(O\) represents a single oxygen atom (not a molecule), \(O_3\) represents ozone (a different allotrope of oxygen with three atoms), and \$2O$ indicates two separate oxygen atoms, not bonded as a molecule.
Therefore, the molecular formula that best describes oxygen gas is \(O_2\).
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