Final answer:
TiO₂ is a molecule, specifically titanium dioxide, an ionic compound composed of one titanium atom and two oxygen atoms. It is used widely in various industries for its pigment properties and is not an element or an ion.
Step-by-step explanation:
TiO₂ is b) A molecule. Specifically, it is titanium dioxide, a compound consisting of one titanium atom (Ti) and two oxygen atoms (O₂). TiO₂ is commonly found in paints, varnishes, paper, plastics, sunscreen, and many other products due to its bright white pigment properties and UV absorption characteristics.
To provide further clarity, TiO₂ is not a neutral element, as it is made up of more than one type of atom. It is also not an ion; it is a neutral compound because the total charge of the ions in the lattice is balanced. Titanium dioxide is an ionic compound since it is composed of a metal (titanium) and non-metal (oxygen) atoms joined by ionic bonds. Ionic bonds form when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions, which are electrostatically attracted to each other.