Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

Organic Chemistry primarily studies compounds that contain which element?

1. Hydrogen

2. Carbon

3. Oxygen

4. Nitrogen

The correct answer is: Carbon

Organic Chemistry focuses on the study of carbon-containing compounds. Carbon's unique ability to form stable bonds with other elements, including hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, allows for a vast array of molecular structures and complexity. This is fundamental to the field because many natural substances and synthetic materials are composed primarily of carbon atoms arranged in various configurations, leading to different properties and functions. While hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen are important elements within organic compounds, they are not the defining feature of organic chemistry. The presence of carbon is what categorizes a compound as organic, making it essential for this branch of chemistry, and thus, carbon is the correct focus of Organic Chemistry.