Question

What is the empirical formula for the following molecular formula: C10H5O2

Answer 1

The empirical formula is the same as the molecular formula : C₁₀H₅O₂

Further explanation

Given

Molecular formula : C₁₀H₅O₂

Required

The empirical formula

Solution

The empirical formula (EF) is the smallest comparison of atoms of compound forming elements.  

The molecular formula (MF) is a formula that shows the number of atomic elements that make up a compound.  

(empirical formula) n = molecular formula  

(EF)n=MF

(EF)n = C₁₀H₅O₂

If we divide by the number of moles of Oxygen (the smallest) which is 2 then the moles of Hydrogen will be a decimal number (not whole), which is 2.5, then the empirical formula is the same as the molecular formula