Question

1. a student is studying the formula co₂. using the periodic table, which statement is correct? the symbol c represents carbon, and the symbol o represents oxygen. the subscript 2 means there are two carbon atoms. the formula shows three different elements are present. the letters c and o represent compounds.

Explanation:

In chemical formulas, symbols represent elements. In $CO_2$, C is the symbol for carbon and O is the symbol for oxygen. The sub - script 2 indicates two oxygen atoms, not carbon atoms. The formula shows two elements (carbon and oxygen), not three. And C and O are elements, not compounds.

Answer:

The symbol C represents carbon, and the symbol O represents oxygen.