Chapter 3, Problem 1SAQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The given molecular formula is ${\text{C}}_{10}{\text{H}}_8$ . The correct empirical formula of the given compound is to be identified.

Concept introduction: An empirical formula is “the lowest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound”.

A molecular formula represents the number of atoms of each element present in a molecule of a compound.

To determine: The correct empirical formula for ${\text{C}}_{10}{\text{H}}_8$ .

Correct answer: The correct option is (c).

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct answer:

A molecular formula represents the number of atoms of each element present in a molecule of a compound.

The given molecular formula is ${\text{C}}_{10}{\text{H}}_8$ , in which ten carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms are present. The common factor in ${\text{C}}_{10}{\text{H}}_8$is $2$ .

The atoms of carbon and hydrogen present are divided by the common factor to obtain the lowest whole number ratio.

Thus, the empirical formula for ${\text{C}}_{10}{\text{H}}_8$is ${\text{C}}_5{\text{H}}_4$ .

Reason for incorrect options:

All the other empirical formula stated in options (a), (b), and (d) do not match with the above stated formula. Hence, they are incorrect.