Question

a gaseous hydrocarbon on analysis gives 82.7% carbon and 17.3%hydrogen. calculate empirical formula.

Answer 1

Firstly divide the % by atomic masses
For C=82.7/12=6.89
For H=17.3/1=17.3

Divide minimum value of above by the values obtained
C=1
H=17.3/6.89=2.5 or we can say 2
Therefore empirical formula will be CH₂