The proper chemical name for water is dihydrogen monoxide, which is often abbreviated as H2O. This means that each molecule of water is composed of two hydrogen atoms (H) bonded to one oxygen atom (O).
The choices provided can be analyzed as follows:
- a) dihydrogen oxide – This is a correct term as it accurately describes the composition of water (two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom).
- b) dihydrogen oxygen – This term is not commonly used and can be misleading because it suggests a different bonding ratio.
- c) hydrogen oxide – This is a less common name but is technically accurate, although it doesn’t emphasize the two hydrogen atoms.
- d) hydrogen oxygen – This is incorrect as it lacks the stoichiometric relationship between hydrogen and oxygen in water.
Therefore, the most widely accepted names for water in chemistry are dihydrogen monoxide or dihydrogen oxide. Both options a) and c) are technically accurate, with option a) being the most descriptive regarding the molecular composition.