Question

methanol (wood alcohol) can be produced by the following reaction. co₂ + 3h₂ → ch₃oh + h₂o which of the chemicals in the reaction is classified as a diatomic molecule? carbon dioxide (co₂) hydrogen (h₂) methanol (ch₃oh) water (h₂o)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall definition of diatomic molecule

A diatomic molecule has two atoms.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)): Has 3 atoms (\(1\) C and \(2\) O), not diatomic.
• Hydrogen (\(H_2\)): Has \(2\) H atoms, is diatomic.
• Methanol (\(CH_3OH\)): Has \(6\) atoms (\(1\) C, \(4\) H, \(1\) O), not diatomic.
• Water (\(H_2O\)): Has \(3\) atoms (\(2\) H, \(1\) O), not diatomic.

Answer:

B. hydrogen (\(H_2\))