Question

Determine the empirical formulas for compounds with the following percent compositions:

a) CO₂
b) H₂O
c) CH₄
d) C₆H₁2O₆

Answer 1

The empirical formulas for the compounds given are: CO₂, H₂O, CH₄, and CH₂O.

Step-by-step explanation:

The empirical formulas for the compounds with the given percent compositions are:

(a) CO₂: Since the resulting ratio is one carbon to two oxygen atoms, the empirical formula is CO₂.

(b) H₂O: Since the resulting ratio is two hydrogen to one oxygen atom, the empirical formula is H₂O.

(c) CH₄: Since the resulting ratio is one carbon to four hydrogen atoms, the empirical formula is CH₄.

(d) C₆H₁₂O₆: Since the resulting ratio is one carbon to two hydrogen to one oxygen atom, the empirical formula is CH₂O.