What is the chemical formula for nitrogen monoxide?

Nitrogen monoxide, commonly known as nitric oxide, is a compound formed by one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom. The chemical formula represents the types and numbers of atoms present in a molecule of the compound. In this case, for nitrogen monoxide, the correct representation is NO, which indicates one nitrogen (N) atom and one oxygen (O) atom combined together.

The molecular structure of nitrogen monoxide is simple, as it consists of only these two elements in a 1:1 ratio, making NO the appropriate formula. This compound plays important roles in various chemical and biological processes, including acting as a signaling molecule in the body.

Understanding that nitrogen monoxide consists of only one of each atom helps clarify why this formula is correct. Other formulas, such as those involving additional nitrogen or oxygen atoms, do not accurately reflect the composition of nitrogen monoxide. Therefore, the formula for nitrogen monoxide being NO accurately represents its molecular structure and composition.