Final answer:
The chemical formula CO stands for carbon monoxide, which is composed of one carbon atom bonded to one oxygen atom. It is different from CO₂, carbon dioxide, and is a toxic gas used as a reducing agent in some chemical processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
- The molecule represented by the chemical formula CO is composed of two different elements, namely carbon and oxygen. This combination forms a compound called carbon monoxide, wherein the two elements are bonded together in a 1:1 atom ratio.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a simple molecule that consists of one carbon atom single-bonded to one oxygen atom, making it one of the oxides of carbon. It is important to note the difference between CO, carbon monoxide, and CO₂, which is carbon dioxide, where carbon is bonded to two oxygen atoms.
CO plays a role in various chemical reactions, including acting as a reducing agent in processes like the reduction of iron ore to metallic iron. However, CO is also a toxic gas and must be handled with caution in both laboratory and real-world situations.