Question

Which formula is an empirical formula?

Answer 1

CH4 as empirical formula is the simplest ratio of all the atoms in a molecule

Answer 2

Answer: The empirical formula is $CH_{4}$

Explanation:

Empirical formula is defined as the formula in which atoms in a compound are present in simplest whole number ratios.

For the given options:

Option A:  $C_4H_{10}$

As, the atoms are not in the smallest whole number ratio, it is not the empirical formula. The empirical formula of this will be $C_2H_5$

Option B:  $C_3H_{6}$

As, the atoms are not in the smallest whole number ratio, it is not the empirical formula. The empirical formula of this will be $CH_2$

Option C:  $CH_{4}$

As, the atoms are in the smallest whole number ratio, it is the empirical formula.

Option D:  $C_2H_{6}$

As, the atoms are not in the smallest whole number ratio, it is not the empirical formula. The empirical formula of this will be $CH_3$

Hence, the empirical formula is $CH_{4}$