Chemistry Nomenclature Practice Test 2025 - Free Chemistry Practice Questions and Study Guide

The chemical formula for carbon tetrachloride is CCl4. This formula indicates that one carbon atom is bonded to four chlorine atoms. In chemical nomenclature, the prefix "tetra-" signifies that there are four chlorine atoms present in the compound. Carbon tetrachloride is a well-known solvent and is used in a variety of industrial applications.

The correct formulation reflects the molecular structure where carbon, in Group 14 of the periodic table, is capable of forming four bonds. Each chlorine atom, from Group 17, is capable of forming one bond due to its valence electrons. The combination of one carbon atom with four chlorine atoms results in the correct molecular formula.

Other choices do not accurately reflect the number of chlorine atoms present. The option CCl3 indicates three chlorine atoms, which does not correspond to the name carbon tetrachloride and would more properly denote carbon trichloride. The choice CCl2 suggests two chlorine atoms, representing carbon dichloride, and CCL is not a correct representation of any recognized compound due to incorrect capitalization and does not provide a meaningful interpretation in standard chemical nomenclature.