Question

List the elements that make up organic compounds.

a. hydrogen and carbon, and generally oxygen as well
b. hydrogen and oxygen only
c. hydrogen, nitrogen, and sodium
d. hydrogen, oxygen, sodium, chloride
e. sodium, chloride, and potassium

Answer 1

Organic compounds consist mainly of hydrogen and carbon, often including oxygen and sometimes nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus, which are integral to living organisms and biological processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The elements that make up organic compounds are hydrogen and carbon, and generally oxygen as well. Organic compounds are characterized by their carbon skeletons and the covalent bonding of carbon atoms. A classic example of a simple organic compound is methane (CH4), which is composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. Other elements, such as nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus, can also be part of organic compounds, adding to their complexity and diversity. These compounds are prevalent in all living organisms and are fundamental to biological processes.