Answer:
C2HO
Step-by-step explanation:
According to this question, acetic acid has a composition of 40.00% C, 6.71% H, and 53.29% O.
This means that;
40.00% C = 40.00g of Carbon
6.71% H = 6.71g of Hydrogen
53.29% O = 53.29g of Oxygen
First, we convert each mass to mole by dividing by their respective atomic mass;
C = 12g/mol, O = 16g/mol, H = 1 g/mol
C = 40.00/12 = 3.33moles
H = 6.71/1 = 6.71moles
O = 53.29/16 = 3.33moles
Next, we divide each mole by smallest value (3.33moles);
C = 3.33/3.33 = 1
H = 6.71/3.33 = 2.01
O = 3.33/3.33 = 1
Approximately, the empirical ratio of CHO is 1:2:1. Therefore, the empirical formula is CH2O.
Acetic acid, which is present in vinegar, was found to consist of by mass. Find the empirical formula for acetic acid