What is the empirical formula of a substance that contains 2.64 g of C,0.444 g of H,and 3.52 g of O? A)CH₂O B)C₂H₄O₂ C)C₂H₄O₃ D)C₃H₄O₄

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the empirical formula, convert the mass of each element to moles by dividing by their atomic masses (C: 12.01 g/mol, H: 1.008 g/mol, O: 16.00 g/mol). This gives: C: 2.64 g / 12.01 g/mol = 0.22 mol, H: 0.444 g / 1.008 g/mol = 0.44 mol, O: 3.52 g / 16.00 g/mol = 0.22 mol. The ratio of C:H:O is 0.22:0.44:0.22, which simplifies to 1:2:1. Therefore, the empirical formula is CH2O.

What Is the Empirical Formula of a Substance That Contains