Question

What would the empirical formula be for a compound that had 37.47% Carbon, 12.61% Hydrogen and 49.92% Oxygen be? Only write WHOLE NUMBERS!

Answer 1

Answer: CH40 ( the 4 is not a whole number )

Explanation: If we assume that we have a sample of 100g of the compound, then that would mean we have 37.47 grams (3.12 moles) of carbon, 12.61 grams (12.48 moles) of hydrogen, and 49.92 grams (3.12 moles) of oxygen. The molar ratio of C:H:O is 3:12:3, reducing to 1:4:1, giving the empirical formula of CH4O.