A coolant widely used in automobile engines is 38.7% carbon,9.7% hydrogen,and 51.6% oxygen.Calculate the empirical formula for the compound.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the empirical formula, we need to convert the percentages to mole ratios. Assuming a 100 g sample, we have 38.7 g C, 9.7 g H, and 51.6 g O. Converting to moles, we have 3.22 moles C, 9.62 moles H, and 3.23 moles O. Dividing each by the smallest number of moles (3.22), we get a ratio of approximately 1:3:1, which corresponds to the empirical formula CHO. Therefore, the answer is D.

A Coolant Widely Used in Automobile Engines Is 38