Question

What are the empirical formulae for these compounds, that both contain five carbon atoms?

(a) C5H10
(b) C5H12

Answer 1

define
`C_5H_(10)` and we have
`C_1H_5` or just
`CH_5`

`C_5H_(12)` is already an empirical formula because the subscripts are of the lowest whole number ratio

Answer 2

Answer:
`C_5H_(10)` has empirical formula of
`C_2H_5`

`C_5H_(12)` has empirical formula of
`C_5H_(12)`

Step-by-step explanation:

Molecular formula is the chemical formula which depicts the actual number of atoms of each element present in the compound.

Empirical formula is the simplest chemical formula which depicts the whole number of atoms of each element present in the compound.

To find empirical formula, the molecular formula is divided to convert them into simplest whole number ratios.

`C_5H_(10)` has empirical formula of
`C_2H_5`

`C_5H_(12)` has empirical formula of
`C_5H_(12)`