Central Atom and Bonding Atom/s

If the first atom is generally the central atom, which atom is the central atom in carbon dioxide?

• Nitrogen

• Carbon

• Oxygen

• Hydrogen

Answer explanation

In carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon is the central atom because it can form four bonds, allowing it to connect to two oxygen atoms. This makes carbon the primary atom around which the molecule is structured.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

If hydrogen is NEVER the central atom, which of the following has oxygen as the central atom?

• Carbon monoxide

• Carbon dioxide

• Dinitrogen dioxide

• Dihydrogen monoxide

Answer explanation

Dihydrogen monoxide (H2O) has oxygen as the central atom, bonded to two hydrogen atoms. In contrast, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and dinitrogen dioxide (N2O2) do not have oxygen as the central atom.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Oxygen is the bonding atom/s in the following EXCEPT which one?

• Carbon monoxide

• Carbon dioxide

• Dinitrogen dioxide

• Dihydrogen monoxide

Answer explanation

In carbon monoxide (CO), oxygen is not a bonding atom; it is bonded to carbon. In contrast, carbon dioxide (CO2), dinitrogen dioxide (N2O2), and dihydrogen monoxide (H2O) all contain oxygen as a bonding atom.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

What is the central atom in a water molecule?

• Carbon

• Nitrogen

• Hydrogen

• Oxygen

Answer explanation

The central atom in a water molecule (H2O) is oxygen. Each water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom, making oxygen the key element that defines the molecule's structure.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Which atom is typically the central atom in a methane (CH₄) molecule?

• Oxygen

• Hydrogen

• Carbon

• Nitrogen

Answer explanation

In a methane (CH₄) molecule, carbon is the central atom. It forms four covalent bonds with four hydrogen atoms, making it the backbone of the molecule, while oxygen and nitrogen are not present in methane.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1