Question

Vitamin C has an empirical formula of `C_3H_4O_3` and a molecular mass of 176. What is the molecular formula of Vitamin C?

Answer 1

`C_6H_8O_6`

Explanation:

Well, since it has an empirical formula of `C_3H_4O_3`, then we can find its "empirical" mass.

Carbon has a mass of `12` atomic units.

Hydrogen has a mass of `1` atomic unit.

Oxygen has a mass of `16` atomic units.

`:."empirical mass"=12*3+1*4+16*3=88` units

But, it has a molecular mass of `176` units, therefore we need to divide it by `88`.

`176/88=2`

`2*C_3H_4O_3=C_6H_8O_6`

So, its molecular formula will be `C_6H_8O_6`.