Answer:
Empirical CHO2
Molecular C2H2O4
Explanation:
To determine the formulas, firstly, we need to divide the percentage compositions by the atomic masses.
Kindly note that the atomic mass of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen are 12, 16 and 1 respectively. We proceed with the division as follows:
C = 26.7/12 = 2.225
H = 2.2/1 = 2.2
O = 71.1/16 = 4.44375
We then proceed to divide by the smallest value which is 2.2 in this case
C = 2.25/2.2 = 1
H = 2.2/2.2 = 1
O = 4.44375/2.2 = 2
Thus, the empirical formula is CHO2
We now proceed to get the molecular formula as follows
[12+ 1 + 16(2) ]n = 90.04
45n = 90.04
n = 90.04/45 = 2
The molecular formula is :
C2H2O4
