Question

carbohydrates are also known as saccharides. the word saccharide is a term derived from the greek word sakcharon, meaning sugar. though not all carbohydrates are sweet, many simple sugars, or monosaccharides, are sweet to the taste. the model shows the chemical structure of a monosaccharide called glucose. glucose has a 6-atom ring shape. this means it has 6 atoms arranged in a hexagon, and each of those 6 atoms bonds with other atoms. in glucose, the 6-atom ring is formed by one oxygen atom and 5 carbon atoms. but like in this model, people dont always label the carbon atoms. what is the chemical formula of glucose? c□h□o□

Explanation:

Step1: Identify Carbon Atoms

In the glucose ring structure, there are 5 carbon atoms in the ring and 1 carbon in the $\ce{CH_2OH}$ group, so total $C = 6$.

Step2: Identify Hydrogen Atoms

Count hydrogens: From $\ce{CH_2OH}$ (2 H), $\ce{HO}$ (1 H), $\ce{OH}$ groups (each has 1 H, 4 $\ce{OH}$ groups: 4 H), and single H atoms (4 H). Total: $2 + 1+ 4 + 4 = 12$, so $H = 12$.

Step3: Identify Oxygen Atoms

From the ring (1 O), $\ce{CH_2OH}$ (1 O), $\ce{HO}$ (1 O), and 4 $\ce{OH}$ groups (4 O). Total: $1 + 1+ 1 + 4 = 6$, so $O = 6$.

Answer:

$\boldsymbol{C_6H_{12}O_6}$