Question

Organic molecules consist mainly of _____ atoms. a. carbon b. carbon and oxygen c. carbon and hydrogen d. carbon and nitrogen

Short answer

Organic molecules mainly consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Key Element

Organic molecules are primarily based on the element carbon. Recognize that carbon is essential to the structure of organic compounds because it can form four covalent bonds, allowing for a diversity of stable compounds.

Identify Commonly Paired Atoms

Besides carbon, organic molecules frequently contain hydrogen atoms. This is because hydrogen can form single covalent bonds with carbon, completing the valency requirements for stable molecules.

Eliminate Incorrect Options

Evaluate each given option: a. Carbon (correct but not complete) b. Carbon and oxygen (oxygen is not typically the most common pairing) c. Carbon and hydrogen (this is the correct and most common pairing in organic molecules) d. Carbon and nitrogen (less common, as nitrogen is found in specific functional groups)

Key concepts

Carbon Atoms

Organic molecules primarily consist of carbon atoms. This is because carbon is incredibly versatile and has a unique ability to form stable covalent bonds with other atoms. A single carbon atom has four electrons in its outer shell, allowing it to form up to four bonds with other atoms, including other carbon atoms.

• The ability to form four bonds makes carbon exceptionally versatile.
• Carbon atoms can bond with other carbon atoms, creating long chains or complex structures like rings.
• This flexibility allows for a diverse array of organic molecules, from simple hydrocarbons to complex biomolecules like DNA.

Carbon's fundamental role in organic chemistry is why it's known as the "backbone" of organic molecules.

Hydrogen Atoms

Hydrogen atoms are usually found paired with carbon atoms in organic molecules. Hydrogen is the simplest atom, with only one electron, which makes it very adept at forming covalent bonds. When hydrogen forms a single bond with carbon, it completes the carbon atom's outer electron shell, contributing to molecule stability. This is because a carbon-hydrogen bond is relatively strong and provides a good balance of energy and stability.

• Hydrogen atoms pair with carbon to create hydrocarbons, the simplest type of organic molecules.
• The presence of hydrogen defines many organic molecules' characteristics and behaviors.
• Hydrogen bonds also influence the overall shape and properties of organic compounds.

Thus, carbon and hydrogen together form the core framework of most organic molecules.

Covalent Bonds

Covalent bonds are crucial for the structure and stability of organic molecules. These bonds occur when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, facilitating the connection of atoms like carbon and hydrogen. Carbon's ability to form four covalent bonds is what makes it so central to organic chemistry. Unlike ionic bonds, covalent bonds involve the sharing rather than transferring of electrons, which is essential in forming organic molecules' complex structures.

• Covalent bonds maintain the structural integrity of molecules.
• They allow molecules to form defined shapes, such as chains, rings, or branches.
• These bonds also enable the molecules to participate in essential chemical reactions crucial for life.

Understanding covalent bonds is key to grasping how organic molecules function and interact.