Question

A hydrocarbon contains 80% carbon. What is the empirical formula of the compound?
(A) CH₂
(B) CH₃
(C) CH₄
(D) C₂H₃

Answer 1

Answer:  A hydrocarbon contains 80% carbon.

What is the empirical formula of the compound is CH3

Explanation:

given a hydrocarbon contains 80% of C. That means hydrogen will be 20%

Atomic mass of carbon = 12

atomic mass of hydrogen=1

moles of carbon= 80/12=6.67

moles of hydrogen= 20/1= 20

since smallest value is 6.67 by dividing we get ratio of C:H as 1:3

so empirical formula is CH3