Answer:
The empirical formula of the hydrocarbon is CH.
Explanation:
The following data were obtained from the question:
Mass of hydrocarbon = 2.9 mg
Mass of CO2 = 9.803 mg
Mass of H2O = 2.006 mg
Next, we shall determine the mass of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) in the compound since hydrocarbon contains carbon and hydrogen only.
This is illustrated below:
Molar mass of CO2 = 12 + (16x2) = 12 + 32 = 44 g/mol
Mass of CO2 = 9.803 mg
Mass of C in the compound =?
Mass of C in the compound =
12/44 x 9.803
= 2.674 mg
Molar mass of H2O = (2x1) + 16 = 2 + 16 = 18 g/mol
Mass of H2O = 2.006 mg
Mass of H in the compound =
2/18 x 2.006
= 0.223 mg
Finally, we shall determine the empirical formula of the hydrocarbon as follow:
Carbon (C) = 2.674 mg
Hydrogen (H) = 0.223 mg
Divide by their molar mass
C = 2.674 /12 = 0.223
H = 0.223 / 1 = 0.223
Divide both side by the the smallest
C = 0.223/0.223 = 1
H = 0.223/0.223 = 1
Therefore, the empirical formula of the hydrocarbon is CH.
