Question

What is the empirical formula of a compound composed of 3.25% hydrogen ( H ), 19.36% carbon ( C ), and 77.39% oxygen ( O ) by mass? Insert subscripts as needed. empirical formula: HCO HCO

Answer 1

Answer:

The answer to your question is C₂HO₃

Explanation:

Data

Hydrogen = 3.25%

Carbon = 19.36%

Oxygen = 77.39%

Process

1.- Write the percent as grams

Hydrogen = 3.25 g

Carbon = 19.36 g

Oxygen = 77.39 g

2.- Convert the grams to moles

                     1 g of H ----------------- 1 mol

                   3,25 g of H -------------  x

                     x = (3.25 x 1) / 1

                     x = 3.25 moles

                    12 g of C ---------------- 1 mol

                     19.36 g of C ----------  x

                     x = (19.36 x 1) / 12

                     x = 1.61 moles

                     16g of O --------------- 1 mol

                     77.39 g of O ---------  x

                      x = (77.39 x 1)/16

                      x = 4.83

3.- Divide by the lowest number of moles

Carbon = 3.25/1.61 = 2

Hydrogen = 1.61/1.61 = 1

Oxygen = 4.83/1.61 = 3

4.- Write the empirical formula

                        C₂HO₃