What is the chemical formula for water?

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Multiple Choice

What is the chemical formula for water?

Explanation:
Chemical formulas tell you how many atoms of each element are in a molecule. Water has two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom, so the formula is H2O. The two hydrogens form two bonds with the oxygen, giving a neutral molecule with two O–H bonds. Other formulas like HO2, H2O2, or H3O correspond to different species (a radical, hydrogen peroxide, and a hydronium ion, respectively) and are not ordinary water. So H2O is the correct representation for water.

Chemical formulas tell you how many atoms of each element are in a molecule. Water has two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom, so the formula is H2O. The two hydrogens form two bonds with the oxygen, giving a neutral molecule with two O–H bonds. Other formulas like HO2, H2O2, or H3O correspond to different species (a radical, hydrogen peroxide, and a hydronium ion, respectively) and are not ordinary water. So H2O is the correct representation for water.

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