The chemical formula for carbonic acid is H2CO3
. How many compounds are represented by this formula?(1 point)
Responses
2
2
6
6
3
3
1
1
The chemical formula for carbonic acid, H2CO3, represents only 1 compound.
To determine the number of compounds represented by the chemical formula H2CO3 (carbonic acid), we need to analyze the elements present and the possible combinations.
In this formula, we have three elements: hydrogen (H), carbon (C), and oxygen (O). We can count the number of atoms for each element:
- Hydrogen (H): 2 atoms
- Carbon (C): 1 atom
- Oxygen (O): 3 atoms
Now, we need to consider the possible combinations of these atoms. To do that, we need to look at the valence (or combining capacity) of each element.
The valence of hydrogen (H) is 1, carbon (C) is 4, and oxygen (O) is 2. By using these valences, we can determine the possible combinations.
Since carbonic acid contains 2 hydrogen atoms, 1 carbon atom, and 3 oxygen atoms, we can arrange them in different ways:
1. 2 H atoms can combine with 1 C atom and 3 O atoms, resulting in H2CO3.
This is carbonic acid, the compound represented by the given formula.
Considering all possible combinations of the elements, there is only one compound represented by the formula H2CO3. Therefore, the correct answer is:
1 (one) compound.