Polyethylene is a polymer consisting of only carbon and hydrogen.If 2.300 g of the polymer is burned in oxygen it produces 2.955 g H₂O and 7.217 g CO₂.What is the empirical formula of polyethylene?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula is determined by calculating the moles of carbon and hydrogen from the combustion products. From 7.217 g CO₂, we find moles of carbon, and from 2.955 g H₂O, we find moles of hydrogen. The ratio of moles of hydrogen to carbon is approximately 2:1, indicating the empirical formula is CH₂.

Polyethylene Is a Polymer Consisting of Only Carbon and Hydrogen