Question

A hydrocarbon contains 80% carbon.what is the empirical formula of the compound?

Answer 1

Hello! Let me try to answer this :)

Ar = atomic mass
Ar C = 12
Ar H = 1

Thanks and please correct if there are any mistakes ^ ^

Answer 2

Hey dear,

● Answer -
Empirical formula of given hydrocarbon is CH3.

● Explanation -
Atomic mass of C = 12 amu
Atomic mass of H = 1 amu

Let empirical formula of given compound be CxHy.

Given is -
Wc/Wh = 80/20

Hence,
x/y = (Wc/Mc) / (Wh/Mh)
x/y = (80/12) / (20/1)
x/y = 1/3

Therefore, empirical formula of given hydrocarbon is CH3.

Hope this helped you...