Water Treatment Operator-in-Training (OIT) Practice Test

What is meant by the term 'organic compounds'?

1. Chemical compounds that are not made from carbon

2. Chemical compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen

3. Chemical compounds that can easily oxidize

4. Chemical compounds that can dissolve in water

The correct answer is: Chemical compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen

The term 'organic compounds' refers to chemical compounds that primarily consist of carbon and often include hydrogen, oxygen, and other elements. The defining characteristic of organic compounds is the presence of carbon atoms, which typically bond with hydrogen atoms, forming the backbone of the molecule. This category of compounds encompasses a vast array of substances, including fuels, plastics, and biological molecules like carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, all of which are foundational to life processes. Understanding that many organic compounds can also contain other elements like nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus is important, but the presence of carbon is critical. This is what distinguishes organic compounds from inorganic compounds, which generally do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. The other choices refer to different characteristics that do not capture the essence of what defines organic compounds. For instance, the statement regarding compounds that can easily oxidize does not apply universally to all organic compounds, as oxidation depends on the specific structure of the compound. The option mentioning solubility in water pertains to a physical property rather than a defining characteristic of organic compounds. Recognizing the correct definition establishes a solid foundation for further study in organic chemistry and its applications in water treatment and environmental science.