A compound that is composed of only carbon and hydrogen contains 80.0% C and 20.0% H by mass. What is the empirical formula of the compound? A) C₂H₆ B) C₂₀H₆₀ C) CH₄ D) C₇H₂₀ E) CH₃

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula is determined by the simplest whole number ratio of moles of each element. For 80% C and 20% H, the ratio of moles is 80/12:20/1, which simplifies to approximately 1:3, giving the empirical formula CH₃.

A Compound That Is Composed of Only Carbon and Hydrogen