Question

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

Short answer

The correct answer is c. carbon and hydrogen.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Elements in Organic Molecules

Organic molecules are primarily composed of specific elements that define their nature. The foundational element in all organic molecules is carbon. In addition to carbon, organic molecules commonly contain other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur and phosphorus.

Determine Common Elements

While there can be additional elements present, the simplest organic molecules consist mainly of carbon and hydrogen. These two elements are fundamental in forming the structure of many organic compounds, such as hydrocarbons.

Analyze the Options

Given the options, identify which pair of elements is predominantly found in organic molecules. Option a lists only carbon, which is insufficient alone. Option b lists carbon and oxygen, and option d lists carbon and nitrogen. Option c lists carbon and hydrogen, which are the primary elements in organic compounds, making it the ideal choice.

Key concepts

Carbon

Carbon is a versatile and fundamental element in the field of chemistry, particularly when it comes to organic molecules. It acts as the backbone for organic compounds and is uniquely capable of forming stable covalent bonds with a wide array of elements, thanks to its four valence electrons. This ability allows carbon to form long chains, branched structures, and even rings, contributing greatly to the diversity of organic molecules.
Understanding the role of carbon is crucial:

• Carbon forms the skeleton of organic molecules.
• It can bond with other carbon atoms to create complex structures.
• This flexibility results in a massive variety of organic compounds.

Carbon’s role is essential in forming life's building blocks, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Its bonding properties are the reason why organic chemistry primarily revolves around carbon-containing compounds.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant element in the universe, playing a critical role in the structure of organic molecules. When paired with carbon, hydrogen forms hydrocarbons, which are the simplest type of organic compounds. These hydrocarbons serve as the foundational framework for more complex organic molecules.
Hydrogen’s properties make it an essential constituent of organic compounds:

• It forms stable bonds with carbon, essential in defining the characteristics of hydrocarbons.
• Hydrogen's single electron bond adds to the stability and diversity of organic molecules.
• As a part of water, it's vital for life and biological processes.

In the context of organic chemistry, hydrogen often pairs with carbon to form various types of organic compounds, which can be saturated or unsaturated, influencing their physical properties and reactivity.

Organic Compounds

Organic compounds are a broad class of molecules primarily made of carbon atoms covalently bonded together with hydrogen and often oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus, among others. Their structural complexity enables a diverse range of functionalities and interactions in chemical processes and biological systems.
Key points to understand about organic compounds include:

• They are characterized by backbones typically formed by carbon atoms.
• In addition to carbon and hydrogen, they may contain other elements that enhance functionality.
• The diversity in structure leads to various categories like alcohols, acids, esters, and more.

Organic compounds are essential for life processes. They make up critical biological molecules, such as DNA, which carry genetic information, and proteins, which perform numerous cellular functions. Understanding these compounds is pivotal in chemistry and biochemistry, helping to unravel the complexities of biochemical interactions and life itself.