Question

Measurements show that unknown compound X has the following composition: element mass % carbon 41.0% hydrogen 4.58% oxygen 54.6% Write the empirical chemical formula of X.

Answer 1

Answer:

CHO

Explanation:

Carbon = 41%,  Hydrogen = 4.58%, oxygen = 54.6%

Step 1:

Divide through by their respective relative atomic masses

41/ 12,         4.58/1,         54.6/16

3.41              4.58            3.41

Step 2:

Divide by the lowest ratio:

3.41/3.41,      4.58/3.41,     3.41/3.41

1,                    1,                  1

Hence the empirical formula is CHO