Question

A compound contains 75% carbon and 25% hydrogen. The molecular mass of the

compound is 16 u. Determine its empirical formula and molecular formula ( Atomic

masses of C=12 u and H=1 u) (2)​

Answer 1

Answer:

The total mass of carbon is: 75% · 16 = 12 u

=> 12 ÷ 12 = 1 => this compound has 1 carbon atom.

The total mass of hydrogen is: 16 - 12 = 4 u

=> 4 ÷ 1 = 4 => this compound has 4 hydrogen atom.

empirical and molecular formula: $CH_{4}$

(because this is the simplest Alkane, the empirical formularand the atomic formular are the same)