The chemical formula for acid is H2CO3. How many compounds are represented by this formula
There is only one compound represented by the chemical formula H2CO3, which is carbonic acid.
The chemical formula H2CO3 represents one compound, which is carbonic acid. Carbonic acid consists of one carbon atom (C), two hydrogen atoms (H), and three oxygen atoms (O).
To determine how many compounds are represented by the chemical formula H2CO3, we need to break it down and consider the possible combinations of elements and their ratios within the formula.
The formula H2CO3 consists of three elements: hydrogen (H), carbon (C), and oxygen (O). Let's look at the elements individually and their possible combinations.
1. Hydrogen (H): The subscript 2 (H2) indicates that there are 2 hydrogen atoms present in the formula. However, since hydrogen typically forms diatomic molecules, we can effectively ignore the subscript and treat it as one hydrogen atom.
2. Carbon (C): There is only one carbon atom represented by the subscript 1 (C1).
3. Oxygen (O): The subscript 3 (O3) indicates that there are 3 oxygen atoms present in the formula.
Now, let's consider the possible combinations of these elements:
- One combination would be H2CO3 itself, consisting of one carbon atom, two (effectively one) hydrogen atoms, and three oxygen atoms.
Therefore, there is only one compound represented by the chemical formula H2CO3.