A compound was analyzed and found to contain 52.17% C, 13.13% H and 34.78% O. What is the empirical formula for the compound? O CH3O O C₂H4O O C4H1202 O C₂H₂O
A compound was analyzed and found to contain 52.17% C, 13.13% H and 34.78% O. What is the empirical formula for the compound? O CH3O O C₂H4O O C4H1202 O C₂H₂O
Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
Related questions
Question
Q10

Transcribed Image Text:**Determining the Empirical Formula of a Compound**
**Problem Statement:**
A compound was analyzed and found to contain 52.17% Carbon (C), 13.13% Hydrogen (H), and 34.78% Oxygen (O). What is the empirical formula for the compound?
**Options:**
- A) CH₃O
- B) C₂H₄O
- C) C₄H₁₂O₂
- D) C₂H₆O
**Explanation:**
To find the empirical formula, follow these steps:
1. **Convert percentages to grams:**
Assume you have 100 grams of the compound. This means you would have:
- 52.17 grams of Carbon
- 13.13 grams of Hydrogen
- 34.78 grams of Oxygen
2. **Convert grams to moles:**
Use the atomic masses of the elements (C: 12.01 g/mol, H: 1.01 g/mol, O: 16.00 g/mol) to find the moles of each element:
- Moles of Carbon: \( \frac{52.17 \text{ g}}{12.01 \text{ g/mol}} = 4.34 \text{ moles} \)
- Moles of Hydrogen: \( \frac{13.13 \text{ g}}{1.01 \text{ g/mol}} = 13.00 \text{ moles} \)
- Moles of Oxygen: \( \frac{34.78 \text{ g}}{16.00 \text{ g/mol}} = 2.17 \text{ moles} \)
3. **Divide by the smallest number of moles:**
This will give the smallest whole number ratio:
- Ratio for Carbon: \( \frac{4.34}{2.17} = 2 \)
- Ratio for Hydrogen: \( \frac{13.00}{2.17} = 6 \)
- Ratio for Oxygen: \( \frac{2.17}{2.17} = 1 \)
4. **Write the empirical formula:**
The empirical formula that corresponds to the smallest whole number ratio of C:H:O is \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_6\text{O} \).
Therefore, the correct
Expert Solution

This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps with 1 images

Knowledge Booster
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.Recommended textbooks for you

Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education

Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education

Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education

Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY