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#?

1 Answer
Mar 7, 2016

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.