Answer: C2H6O
Explanation:
Empirical formula is the formula showing proportions of the elements present in a compound. Empirical formula will not show the arrangements of atoms in a compound.
From the question above, we are given that the compound contains 52.14% of carbon, 34.73% of oxygen and the amount of Hydrogen is unknown.
Therefore, to determine the amount of Hydrogen, we say;
100% of the whole compound - (52.14% + 34.73%).
Percentage of hydrogen in the compound= 13.13% .
Therefore, Mole of Hydrogen atom= 13.13/1 = 13.13.
Mole of carbon atom = 52.14/12= 4.345.
Mole of Oxygen atom= 34.73/16 = 2.171.
The next thing to do is to divide the each mole by the smallest mole(that is, the mole of oxygen atom).
Hence, Hydrogen,H = 13.13/2.171 =6.
Carbon,C= 4.345/2.171 = 2.
Oxygen = 2.171/2.171 = 1.
Therefore the empirical formula is;
C2H6O.
