Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for carbon tetrachloride?

• A. C4Cl
• B. CCl2
• C. C2Cl4
• D. CCl4

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the name 'carbon tetrachloride': 'tetra' means four, indicating there are four chlorine atoms bonded to one carbon atom.
2. Recall that the chemical formula represents the number of atoms of each element in a molecule, with the element symbol followed by a subscript number indicating quantity.
3. Write the formula starting with carbon (C), since it is the central atom, followed by chlorine (Cl) with the subscript 4 to show four chlorine atoms: \(CCl_4\).
4. Check the options given: C4Cl, CCl2, and C2Cl4. Compare each to the expected formula \(CCl_4\).
5. Identify that \(CCl_4\) correctly represents one carbon atom bonded to four chlorine atoms, matching the name carbon tetrachloride.