Practice question
Question
A compound contains 52.17% carbon, 13.04% hydrogen, and 34.78% oxygen by mass. What is its empirical formula? (Atomic masses: C = 12, H = 1, O = 16)
Explanation
For 100 g: C = 52.17 g, H = 13.04 g, O = 34.78 g. Moles: C ≈ 4.35, H ≈ 13.04, O ≈ 2.17. Divide by smallest (2.17): C ≈ 2.00, H ≈ 6.00, O = 1.00. Ratio = 2:6:1; empirical formula = C₂H₆O.
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