What is the empirical formula of a compound that consists of 39.99% carbon,6.73% hydrogen,and 53.28% oxygen? A)CHO B)C₂HO C)CH₂O D)CHO₂

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the empirical formula, we need to convert the percentages to mole ratios. Assuming we have 100g of the compound, we have: - 39.99g of carbon = 3.333 mol - 6.73g of hydrogen = 6.67 mol - 53.28g of oxygen = 3.333 mol Next, we need to divide each value by the smallest value to get the mole ratios: - Carbon: 3.333/3.333 = 1 - Hydrogen: 6.67/3.333 ≈ 2 - Oxygen: 3.333/3.333 = 1 This gives us the empirical formula of CH2O, which is closest to option C, CH₂O. We can ignore the symbols ₂ in the answer choices as they do not affect the chemical formula.

What Is the Empirical Formula of a Compound That Consists