Question

1. Calculate the empirical formula of a compound that contains 2% hydrogen, 74 % carbon and 24% oxygen.

Answer 1

First, we have to divide the percentages by the atomic masses of the elements to get a ratio
Hydrogen: 2/1 = 2
Carbon: 74/12 = 6
Oxygen: 24/16 = 1.5

Now, to make sure that there are no decimals, we have to multiply the three numbers to make the 1.5 into 3

Hydrogen: 2 x 2 = 4
Carbon: 6 x 2  = 12
Oxygen: 1.5 x 2 = 3

So, the Empirical Formula is: C12H4O3
Hope I helped! xx