Which metric prefix is used to indicate that there are three atoms of an element in a given compound?

• A. mono-
• B. di-
• C. tetra-
• D. tri-

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that metric prefixes in chemistry are used to indicate the number of atoms of an element in a compound.
2. Recall common prefixes: 'mono-' means 1, 'di-' means 2, 'tri-' means 3, and 'tetra-' means 4.
3. Identify that the question asks for the prefix indicating three atoms of an element.
4. Match the number 3 with the corresponding prefix, which is 'tri-'.
5. Conclude that the prefix 'tri-' is used to indicate three atoms of an element in a compound.