Question

to be considered an organic molecule a substance must contain ______. multiple choice carbon and oxygen carbon and hydrogen carbon and nitrogen oxygen and hydrogen

Explanation:

Organic molecules are defined as molecules that contain carbon - hydrogen (C - H) bonds. While some organic molecules may contain oxygen or nitrogen, the fundamental requirement for a molecule to be considered organic is the presence of carbon and hydrogen. For example, methane ($CH_4$) is a simple organic molecule with carbon and hydrogen. The option with carbon and oxygen is incorrect because molecules like carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) have carbon and oxygen but are inorganic. The option with carbon and nitrogen is incorrect as there are inorganic molecules with carbon and nitrogen (e.g., cyanides in some cases). The option with oxygen and hydrogen is incorrect as water ($H_2O$) has oxygen and hydrogen but is inorganic.

Answer:

B. carbon and hydrogen