Write the formula for a compound that contains four hydrogen atoms, two oxygen atoms, and two carbon atoms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct formula is C2H4O2 because it follows the rule of writing chemical formulas, which is to write the symbols of the elements in the order of their electronegativity, with the more electronegative element first. In this case, oxygen is more electronegative than carbon and hydrogen, so it is written first, followed by carbon and then hydrogen. The subscripts indicate the number of atoms of each element in the molecule.

Write the Formula for a Compound That Contains Four Hydrogen