Question

consider the chemical formula for carbon dioxide, co₂. which of the descriptions is true? (choose all that apply.)
□ co₂ is the molecular formula.
□ carbon dioxide is a molecule.
□ carbon dioxide is a compound.
□ co₂ is the empirical formula.
35 multiple choice 1 point
periodic table image
which of the following has the lowest electronegativity?
○ tellurium
○ tin
○ indium

Explanation:

First Question (Carbon Dioxide Descriptions)

• \( \boldsymbol{CO_2} \) is the molecular formula: Molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms. \( CO_2 \) has 1 C and 2 O atoms, so it is the molecular formula.
• Carbon dioxide is a molecule: A molecule is a group of atoms bonded together, and \( CO_2 \) consists of \( C \) and \( O \) atoms bonded, so it is a molecule.
• Carbon dioxide is a compound: A compound is a substance with two or more different elements (C and O here) chemically bonded, so \( CO_2 \) is a compound.
• \( \boldsymbol{CO_2} \) is the empirical formula: Empirical formula shows the simplest whole - number ratio of atoms. For \( CO_2 \), the ratio of C to O is 1:2, which is the simplest ratio, so it is also the empirical formula.

Step 1: Recall Electronegativity Trend

Electronegativity generally increases across a period (from left to right) and decreases down a group (from top to bottom) in the periodic table.

Step 2: Locate the Elements

• Tellurium (Te) is in Group 16, Period 5.
• Tin (Sn) is in Group 14, Period 5.
• Indium (In) is in Group 13, Period 5.

Step 3: Compare Electronegativity

As we move from left to right across a period (Period 5 here), electronegativity increases. So, among In (Group 13), Sn (Group 14), and Te (Group 16), indium is the leftmost in the period, so it has the lowest electronegativity.

Answer:

• \( \text{CO}_2 \) is the molecular formula.
• Carbon dioxide is a molecule.
• Carbon dioxide is a compound.
• \( \text{CO}_2 \) is the empirical formula.

Second Question (Lowest Electronegativity)