Final answer:
The correct chemical formula for ethanol is C2H6O. It is a compound with two carbons, six hydrogens, and one oxygen, and is also known as ethyl alcohol, commonly found in alcoholic beverages and used as a fuel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical formula for ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, can be represented in a few different ways including CH3CH2OH, C2H5OH, and C2H6O. When looking at the provided options for the question 'Which of the following is the chemical formula for ethanol?', the correct answer is C) C2H6O. This formula represents the molecular composition of ethanol, comprising 2 carbons (C), 6 hydrogens (H), and 1 oxygen (O).
Ethanol is commonly found in alcoholic beverages and also used as a fuel source. It’s important to distinguish the chemical formula of ethanol from other similar compounds, such as methanol (CH3OH), to avoid confusion and potential hazards, as methanol is highly toxic.