CO2, or carbon dioxide, can be classified as a molecule. It consists of one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms, which together form a distinct chemical species with its own specific properties.
To break it down further:
- Single Atom: CO2 is not a single atom; it is made up of multiple atoms.
- Diatomic Molecule: A diatomic molecule is composed of two atoms, which CO2 is not since it has three atoms in total.
- Molecule: Yes, CO2 is a molecule because it is formed from the chemical bonding of two or more atoms.
- Formula Unit: In chemistry, a formula unit typically refers to the simplest ratio of ions in ionic compounds; since CO2 is a covalent compound, this classification is not applicable.
Hence, carbon dioxide (CO2) is best classified simply as a molecule.