5. how many more carbon atoms are represented in the formula for citric acid, c₆h₈o₇, than in the formula…

5. how many more carbon atoms are represented in the formula for citric acid, c₆h₈o₇, than in the formula for acetic acid, ch₃cooh? how was this determined?

5. how many more carbon atoms are represented in the formula for citric acid, c₆h₈o₇, than in the formula for acetic acid, ch₃cooh? how was this determined?

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Identify carbon - atom numbers

In citric acid ($C_6H_8O_7$), the number of carbon atoms is 6. In acetic acid ($CH_3COOH$), count the carbon atoms: 2.

Step2: Calculate the difference

Subtract the number of carbon atoms in acetic acid from that in citric acid. $6 - 2=4$.

Answer:

4 more carbon atoms. The number of carbon atoms in each formula was first identified by looking at the sub - script of carbon in the chemical formulas, and then the difference was calculated by subtraction.