Multiple Choice
In the chemical formula P2O5, how many atoms of each element are present?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Empirical Formula
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Which of the following is an empirical formula?
A
C6H12O6
B
CH2O
C
C2H4O2
D
C4H8O4
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that an empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.
For each given molecular formula, determine the ratio of atoms by dividing the subscripts of each element by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
For example, take C6H12O6: the subscripts are 6, 12, and 6. The GCD is 6, so dividing each subscript by 6 gives C1H2O1, or CH2O.
Repeat this process for the other formulas: C2H4O2 and C4H8O4, and check if their ratios simplify to the same or different empirical formulas.
Identify which formula is already in the simplest whole-number ratio form; that formula is the empirical formula.
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