Answer:
The empirical formula is CH2
Explanation:
Step 1: Data given
Mass of CO2 produced = 1.80 grams
Mass of H2O produced = 0.738 grams
Step 2: The balanced equation
CxHy + O2 → CO2 + H2O
Step 3: Calculate moles CO2
Moles CO2 = mass CO2 / molar mass CO2
Moles CO2 = 1.80 grams / 44.01 g/mol
Moles CO2 = 0.0409 moles
Step 4: Calculate moles C
In 1 mol CO2 we have 1 mol CO2
In 0.0409 moles CO2 we have 0.0409 mol C
Step 5: Calculate moles H2O
Moles H2O = mass H2O / molar mass H2O
Moles H2O = 0.738 grams / 18.02 g/mol
Moles H2O = 0.04095 moles
Step 6: Calculate moles H
In 1 mol H2O we have 2 moles H
In 0.04095 moles H2O we have 2*0.04095 = 0.0819 moles H
Step 7: Calculate the mol ratio
We divide by the smallest amount of moles
C: 0.0409 / 0.0409 = 1
H: 0.0819 moles / 0.0409 = 2
The empirical formula is CH2
