Question

In the name carbon dioxide, the prefix of the second word indicates that a molecule of carbon dioxide contains

two carbon atoms.
two oxygen atoms.
a polyatomic ion.
an ionic bond.

Answer 1

In compounds composed of non-metals, prefixes are used to determine the number of atoms existing in the compound. In this case, the prefix of the second word indicates that a molecule of carbon dioxide indicates that the compound contains two oxygen atoms. 

Answer 2

The correct option is B. two oxygen atoms

Explanation:

The molecular formula for carbon dioxide is given by :

`CO_2`

Here, the alphabet C stands for Carbon and the alphabet O stands for Oxygen.

And the prefixes of each of these words represents the number of atoms present of the corresponding element in one molecule of carbon dioxide.

So, The prefix of the first word that is C is 1

⇒ One molecule of carbon dioxide contains one atom of Carbon.

The prefix of the second word that is O is 2

⇒ One molecule of carbon dioxide contains 2 atoms of Oxygen.

Therefore, The correct option is B. two oxygen atoms