Question

how many carbon atoms are in a carbon monoxide molecule? hint: in the model, black spheres represent carbon atoms. 2 3 1

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula of carbon monoxide

The chemical formula for carbon monoxide is \( \text{CO} \). In this formula, the subscript (when not written, it is 1) for carbon (C) indicates the number of carbon atoms.

Step2: Determine the number of carbon atoms

From the formula \( \text{CO} \), we can see that there is 1 carbon atom in a carbon monoxide molecule. Also, using the hint about the model (black spheres for carbon), a carbon monoxide molecule's model would have 1 black sphere (carbon atom) and 1 sphere for oxygen. So the number of carbon atoms is 1.

Answer:

1 (corresponding to the option with "1")