Final answer:
The chemical formula for acetic acid is C2H4O2, also written as CH3COOH. It is an organic acid found in vinegar and can ionize in water to form acetate ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical formula for acetic acid is C2H4O2, which can also be written as CH3COOH. Acetic acid is a type of organic acid that is a component of vinegar and is responsible for its sharp taste. When acetic acid dissolves in water, it can partially ionize to form acetate ions, represented as CH3COO−, reflecting its acidic behavior.
The formula reflects a structured molecule containing two carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The molecular formula gives the exact number of each type of atom in the molecule, while the empirical formula is the simplest ratio of the atoms, which in the case of acetic acid is CH2O.