Question

Determine the empirical formulas for the following compounds:

Answer 1

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: Acetic acid

Acetic acid having molecular formula $C_2H_4O_2$. To write the empirical formula, we divide each subscript by 2.

$C_{2/2}H_{4/2}O_{2/2}=CH_2O$

Hence, the empirical formula for acetic acid is $CH_2O$

• Option b: Citric acid

Citric acid having molecular formula $C_6H_8O_7$. To write the empirical formula, we divide each subscript by 1.

$C_{6/1}H_{8/1}O_{7/1}=C_6H_8O_7$

Hence, the empirical formula for citric acid is $C_6H_8O_7$

• Option c: Hydrazine

Hydrazine having molecular formula $N_2H_4$. To write the empirical formula, we divide each subscript by 2.

$N_{2/2}H_{4/2}=NH_2$

Hence, the empirical formula for hydrazine is $NH_2$

• Option d: Nicotine

Nicotine having molecular formula $C_{10}H_{14}N_2$. To write the empirical formula, we divide each subscript by 2.

$C_{10/2}H_{14/2}N_{2/1}=C_5H_7N$

Hence, the empirical formula for nicotine is $C_5H_7N$

• Option e: Butane

Butane having molecular formula $C_{4}H_{10}$. To write the empirical formula, we divide each subscript by 2.

$C_{4/2}H_{10/2}=C_2H_5$

Hence, the empirical formula for butane is $C_2H_5$