Final answer:
The organic molecule in the examples provided is methane (CH4), as it contains a carbon-hydrogen bond, which is characteristic of organic compounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which molecule is an organic molecule, we need to understand what defines an organic compound. Typically, organic molecules are those that contain carbon atoms and are found in living organisms. They tend to have a carbon skeleton with hydrogen atoms attached, as well as possibly other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.
- Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a salt composed of sodium and chlorine ions, so it does not have a carbon backbone and is considered an inorganic molecule.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) contains carbon, but it is a simple oxide of carbon and does not have the carbon-hydrogen bonding characteristic of organic molecules, classifying it as inorganic.
- Oxygen (O2) is a diatomic molecule composed only of oxygen, without any carbon, making it inorganic.
- Methane (CH4) is composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms, fitting the criteria of organic molecules having carbon-hydrogen bonds. Therefore, methane is an organic molecule.
The organic molecule in the examples provided by the student is methane (CH4).