Write the molecular formula for a substance that contains two oxygen molecules, two carbons, and four hydrogen atoms. Be sure to follow the standard conventions of writing molecular formulas.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements present and their quantities: 2 oxygen atoms, 2 carbon atoms, and 4 hydrogen atoms.
2. Recall the standard convention for writing molecular formulas: list carbon (C) atoms first, hydrogen (H) atoms second, and then all other elements in alphabetical order.
3. Apply the convention to the given elements: carbon (C) comes first, hydrogen (H) second, and oxygen (O) last.
4. Write the molecular formula by placing the element symbols followed by their respective quantities as subscripts: C with 2 atoms, H with 4 atoms, and O with 2 atoms.
5. Combine these into the final molecular formula: \(C_2H_4O_2\).

Key Concepts

Molecular Formula

A molecular formula represents the exact number and types of atoms in a molecule, using element symbols and numerical subscripts. It does not show the arrangement of atoms but indicates the composition, such as C2H4O2 for acetic acid.

Element Symbols and Subscripts

Element symbols are one- or two-letter abbreviations of elements (e.g., C for carbon, H for hydrogen, O for oxygen). Subscripts following these symbols indicate the number of atoms of each element in the molecule, with no subscript meaning one atom.

Standard Conventions for Writing Molecular Formulas

Molecular formulas are written with carbon atoms first, hydrogen second, and then other elements in alphabetical order. This convention helps maintain consistency and clarity, so a molecule with 2 carbons, 4 hydrogens, and 2 oxygens is written as C2H4O2.