Answer:
D. CH₃O₆
Step-by-step explanation:
- We are given the ratio of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in a compound as 14: 42 : 84
We are supposed to determine the empirical formula of the compound;
- We need to know what is an empirical formula;
- An empirical formula of a compound is a formula that shows the simplest whole number ratio of elements in a compound.
In this case;
The ratio of C : H : O is 14 : 42 : 84
- Note, this is not the simplest ratio.
But we can simplify further to get the simplest whole number ratio;
- Therefore, 14 : 42 : 84 is equal to 1 : 3 : 6
- Thus, the simplest whole number ratio of C : H : O in the compound is 1 : 3 : 6
- Therefore, the empirical formula of the compound is CH₃O₆