Question

What is the empirical formula of a following compound if a sample contain 0.0130 mol `C`, 0.0390 mol `H`, and 0.0065 mol `O`?

Answer 1

We divide thru by the smallest molar quantity to write the empirical formula.

Explanation:

So the smallest molar quantity is that of oxgen, `C =(0.0130*mol)/(0.0065*mol)`; `H =(0.0390*mol)/(0.0065*mol)`; `O =(0.0065*mol)/(0.0065*mol)`.

So `C_nH_mO_p` `=` `C_2H_6O`.

So that's the empirical formula, the simplest whole number ratio that defines constituent atoms in a species. The molecular formula is some whole number multiple of the empirical formula.