When carbon and oxygen chemically bond in a 1:2 ratio, which molecule is formed?

• A. O_2C
• B. C_2O
• C. CO_2
• D. CO

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the ratio of atoms given in the problem: carbon and oxygen bond in a 1:2 ratio, meaning for every 1 carbon atom, there are 2 oxygen atoms.
2. Recall the chemical formulas of common molecules formed by carbon and oxygen. For example, CO has a 1:1 ratio, and CO_2 has a 1:2 ratio.
3. Compare the given options with the required 1:2 ratio. The formula CO_2 matches this ratio because it contains 1 carbon atom and 2 oxygen atoms.
4. Understand that the notation O_2C or C_2O does not represent the standard way to write the molecular formula and does not reflect the 1:2 ratio correctly.
5. Conclude that the molecule formed when carbon and oxygen bond in a 1:2 ratio is carbon dioxide, represented by the formula \(CO_2\).