Chapter 19, Problem 46R

To determine

To explain: The term that is used to describe the 2 in the chemical formula ${\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$ .

Answer to Problem 46R

The right answer is option D − Subscript

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Subscript is generally used in the chemical formula. The chemical formula of water is ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$ , here the 2 appears lower and smaller than the letter on its either side. So, 2 is the subscript.

In a chemical formula of oxygen molecule ${\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$ , the oxygen molecule contains two oxygen atoms. So, the subscript 2 must be used to differentiate the diatomic molecule from two oxygen atoms.

Conclusion:

Thus, 2 in the chemical formula of molecular oxygen ${\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$ is known as subscript.