Carbon in the atmosphere is most often found as which of the following compounds?

• A. C_6H_{12}O_6
• B. CO_2
• C. CH_4
• D. CO

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the common forms of carbon compounds found in the atmosphere. The problem lists glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)), carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)), methane (\(CH_4\)), and carbon monoxide (\(CO\)).
2. Recall that glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) is a sugar molecule primarily found in living organisms and not typically present in the atmosphere in significant amounts.
3. Understand that methane (\(CH_4\)) is a greenhouse gas present in the atmosphere but in much smaller concentrations compared to carbon dioxide.
4. Recognize that carbon monoxide (\(CO\)) is a toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion but is also present in the atmosphere in relatively low concentrations.
5. Know that carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) is the most abundant carbon-containing gas in the atmosphere, produced by respiration, combustion, and volcanic activity, making it the most common form of carbon in the atmosphere.