Question

The hydrocarbon used to manufacture foam plastics is called styrene. Analysis shows composition to be 92.25% C and 7.75% H. Analysis also shows a molar mass of 104g/mol. Determine the empirical and molecular formula for styrene.

Answer 1

Answer:

molecular formula = $C_{8} H_{8}$

Explanation:

Given data

c = 92.25%

H = 7.75%

molar mass = 104 g/mol

to find out

the empirical and molecular formula for styrene

solution

we know that

styrene 1 g contain = 0.9225 g C and 0.0775 g H

so

C = 104 × 0.9225 g / 12 g/mol

C = 7.995 mol = approx 8 mol

and

H = 104 × 0.0775 g / 1 g/mol

H = 8.06 mol = approx 8 mol

so we say that 1 mole of styrene  have 8 mole of C and H

so

molecular formula = $C_{8} H_{8}$