A 0.125 g sample of unknown hydrocarbon is prepared for combustion analysis. After the hydrocarbon undergoes complete combustion, 0.4225 g of CO₂ and 0.0865 g of H₂O are produced. What is the empirical formula of the unknown? Paired item 1)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula of the unknown hydrocarbon is determined by analyzing the combustion products, CO2 and H2O, to find the amounts of carbon and hydrogen in the original sample. From 0.4225 g of CO2, the amount of carbon can be calculated, and from 0.0865 g of H2O, the amount of hydrogen can be calculated. The ratio of these amounts gives the empirical formula, which is CH for a hydrocarbon (containing only carbon and hydrogen).

A 0125 G Sample of Unknown Hydrocarbon Is Prepared for Combustion