Which chemical formula represents water?

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Multiple Choice

Which chemical formula represents water?

Explanation:
The key idea is that chemical formulas show how many atoms of each element are in a molecule. In water, there are two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom, so the formula is H2O. The two hydrogens are indicated by the subscript 2, while oxygen has no subscript, meaning one atom. This distinguishes it from the other compounds: NH3 is ammonia (three hydrogens with one nitrogen), H2SO4 is sulfuric acid (two hydrogens, one sulfur, four oxygens), and HCl is hydrogen chloride (one hydrogen and one chlorine). So H2O correctly represents water.

The key idea is that chemical formulas show how many atoms of each element are in a molecule. In water, there are two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom, so the formula is H2O. The two hydrogens are indicated by the subscript 2, while oxygen has no subscript, meaning one atom. This distinguishes it from the other compounds: NH3 is ammonia (three hydrogens with one nitrogen), H2SO4 is sulfuric acid (two hydrogens, one sulfur, four oxygens), and HCl is hydrogen chloride (one hydrogen and one chlorine). So H2O correctly represents water.

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