Question

which best describes why acetic acid (ch₃cooh) is an organic compound, but sodium hydroxide (naoh) is not?
acetic acid is an acid, but sodium hydroxide is a base.
an acetic acid molecule is relatively large, but a sodium hydroxide molecule is relatively small.
acetic acid contains a significant amount of carbon, but sodium hydroxide contains no carbon.
an acetic acid molecule contains a double bond, but a sodium hydroxide molecule contains only single bonds.

Explanation:

Organic compounds are defined as compounds that contain carbon - hydrogen bonds or just carbon. Acetic acid ($CH_3COOH$) has carbon, while sodium hydroxide ($NaOH$) has no carbon.

Answer:

Acetic acid contains a significant amount of carbon, but sodium hydroxide contains no carbon.