A certain compound has the following composition: C= 40.0% and H= 6.7%. The empirical formula is ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula represents the simplest whole number ratio of elements in a compound. To find it, you divide the percent composition by the atomic mass of each element, then divide by the smallest resulting number to get the ratio. For carbon (C) with an atomic mass of about 12 g/mol, 40.0% gives 40.0/12 = 3.33. For hydrogen (H) with an atomic mass of about 1 g/mol, 6.7% gives 6.7/1 = 6.7. The ratio of C:H is approximately 1:2, indicating CH₂. Since the percentages of C and H do not add up to 100%, the remainder is often oxygen (O), making the empirical formula CH₂O.

A Certain Compound Has the Following Composition: C= 40