<u>Answer:</u> The empirical formula is ![CH_{4}](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=CH_%7B4%7D)
<u>Explanation:</u>
Empirical formula is defined as the formula in which atoms in a compound are present in simplest whole number ratios.
For the given options:
<u>Option A:</u> ![C_4H_{10}](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=C_4H_%7B10%7D)
As, the atoms are not in the smallest whole number ratio, it is not the empirical formula. The empirical formula of this will be ![C_2H_5](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=C_2H_5)
<u>Option B:</u> ![C_3H_{6}](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=C_3H_%7B6%7D)
As, the atoms are not in the smallest whole number ratio, it is not the empirical formula. The empirical formula of this will be ![CH_2](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=CH_2)
<u>Option C:</u> ![CH_{4}](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=CH_%7B4%7D)
As, the atoms are in the smallest whole number ratio, it is the empirical formula.
<u>Option D:</u> ![C_2H_{6}](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=C_2H_%7B6%7D)
As, the atoms are not in the smallest whole number ratio, it is not the empirical formula. The empirical formula of this will be ![CH_3](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=CH_3)
Hence, the empirical formula is ![CH_{4}](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=CH_%7B4%7D)