Question

which molecular formula corresponds to this model of a chemical compound? (black = carbon; red = oxygen; white = hydrogen)
options: c₂(oh)₄, c₂h₂o₄, c₂h₄o₂, c₄h₂o₂

Explanation:

Step1: Count Carbon Atoms

Black spheres represent carbon. From the model, there are 2 carbon atoms.

Step2: Count Hydrogen Atoms

White spheres represent hydrogen. There are 2 hydrogen atoms (each -OH group has 1 H, and there are 2 -OH - like groups? Wait, no, looking at the model: the white spheres are 2 (each attached to an oxygen). Wait, let's re - examine. The model: two carbon atoms (blue - wait, no, the blue? Wait, the problem says black = carbon, red = oxygen, white = hydrogen. Wait, maybe I miscolored. Wait, the structure: let's count each atom. Carbon: black, so how many black? Wait, the original problem: the model has two carbon atoms (let's assume the dark blue are carbon? Wait, no, the problem says black = carbon, red = oxygen, white = hydrogen. So let's count:

Carbon (black): 2.

Hydrogen (white): 2 (each white sphere is H, two white spheres).

Oxygen (red): 4 (let's count red spheres: 4).

So the formula should be \(C_2H_2O_4\). Let's check the options:

• \(C_2(OH)_4\): This would be \(C_2H_4O_4\) (since each OH has 1 H, 4 OH gives 4 H), which is not matching.

• \(C_2H_2O_4\): Matches C = 2, H = 2, O = 4.

• \(C_2H_4O_2\): H is 4, O is 2, no.

• \(C_4H_2O_2\): C is 4, no.

Answer:

\(C_2H_2O_4\) (the option corresponding to \(C_2H_2O_4\))