A 0.100 g sample of a compound containing only C and H is burned in excess oxygen, producing 0.338 g of CO₂ and 0.0692 g of H₂O. What is the empirical formula of the compound?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula is determined by calculating the moles of carbon and hydrogen in the combustion products. From 0.338 g of CO2, the moles of carbon can be calculated, and from 0.0692 g of H2O, the moles of hydrogen can be calculated. The ratio of moles of hydrogen to carbon gives the simplest whole number ratio, which is 1:1 for CH.

A 0100 G Sample of a Compound Containing Only C and and H