Multiple Choice
What is the empirical formula of a compound that contains 27.0% S, 13.4% O, and 59.6% Cl by mass?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Empirical Formula
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What is the empirical formula of acetic acid, CH3COOH?
A
C2H2O
B
CH2O
C
C2H4O2
D
CH3O
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular formula of acetic acid, which is given as CH3COOH. This can also be written as C2H4O2 by counting all atoms: 2 carbons, 4 hydrogens, and 2 oxygens.
Determine the number of each type of atom in the molecular formula: C = 2, H = 4, O = 2.
Find the simplest whole number ratio of atoms by dividing each subscript by the greatest common divisor of all subscripts. Here, divide each by 2: C: 2/2 = 1, H: 4/2 = 2, O: 2/2 = 1.
Write the empirical formula using the simplified ratio of atoms: C1H2O1, which is commonly written as CH2O.
Understand that the empirical formula represents the simplest ratio of elements in the compound, while the molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms in a molecule.
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