Elemental analysis of the soot produced by a candle flame shows that it is 14.3% H and 85.7% C by mass. What is the empirical formula of this hydrocarbon? A)CH B)CH₂ C)C₂H D)CH₃ E)C₂H₃

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the empirical formula, convert the percentages to moles: 14.3 g H (1 mol/1.01 g) = 14.16 mol H, and 85.7 g C (1 mol/12.01 g) = 7.14 mol C. The ratio of H to C is approximately 2:1, giving the empirical formula CH₂.

Elemental Analysis of the Soot Produced by a Candle Flame