What is the empirical formula of a substance that is 62.0% C, 10.4% H, and 27.5% O by mass?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Assume 100 g of the substance.
2. Calculate the amount of each element in moles:
- Carbon: 62.0 g * (1 mol/12.01 g) = 5.166 mol
- Hydrogen: 10.4 g * (1 mol/1.008 g) = 10.32 mol
- Oxygen: 27.5 g * (1 mol/16.00 g) = 1.719 mol
3. Find the smallest whole number ratio of moles by dividing each amount by the smallest value:
- Carbon: 5.166 mol / 1.719 mol = 3.00
- Hydrogen: 10.32 mol / 1.719 mol = 6.00
- Oxygen: 1.719 mol / 1.719 mol = 1.00
4. The empirical formula is therefore C3H6O.

What Is the Empirical Formula of a Substance That Is