Massachusetts Wastewater Practice Exam

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What is the chemical formula for cyanide?

Carbon nitride.
Carcinogen.
Cyanide.
Carbonic nitrate.

The correct answer is: Cyanide.

Cyanide, commonly referred to in chemistry, is represented by the chemical formula CN–. This formula consists of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom, which yields a highly reactive anion. This chemical structure is significant in various fields such as chemistry, environmental science, and toxicology due to the compound's potency and potential hazards. Understanding cyanide is crucial as it poses serious health risks, being a potent inhibitor of cellular respiration by interfering with the electron transport chain in mitochondria. This can lead to cellular asphyxiation, making the knowledge of its formula relevant not just in theoretical contexts but also in practical applications, including waste management and public safety protocols. The other options do not accurately reflect the chemical nature of cyanide. Carbon nitride refers to a compound made up of carbon and nitrogen but does not represent cyanide specifically. The term carcinogen describes a substance that can lead to cancer, but it does not convey the structures or formulas associated with cyanide. Carbonic nitrate is not a recognized chemical compound and doesn't relate to cyanide’s chemical makeup either.