Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the binary compound nitrogen dioxide?

• A. NO
• B. NO_2
• C. N_2O_4
• D. N_2O

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that a binary compound consists of two different elements chemically combined. Here, the elements are nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O).
2. Step 2: Recognize that nitrogen dioxide is a well-known compound where one nitrogen atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms, which is represented by the formula \(NO_2\).
3. Step 3: Recall that \(NO\) represents nitric oxide, which is a different compound with one nitrogen and one oxygen atom.
4. Step 4: Note that \(N_2O_4\) is dinitrogen tetroxide, a dimer of nitrogen dioxide, and \(N_2O\) is nitrous oxide, both different compounds from nitrogen dioxide.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct chemical formula for nitrogen dioxide is \(NO_2\) because it accurately reflects the composition of one nitrogen atom bonded to two oxygen atoms.