Question

Which formula is an empirical formula?

a) C4H10
b)C3H6
c)CH4
d)C2H6

( the numbers should be smaller )

Answer 1

CH4 as empirical formula is the simplest ratio of all the atoms in a molecule

Answer 2

Answer: The empirical formula is
`CH_(4)`

Step-by-step explanation:

Empirical formula is defined as the formula in which atoms in a compound are present in simplest whole number ratios.

For the given options:

Option A:
`C_4H_(10)`

As, the atoms are not in the smallest whole number ratio, it is not the empirical formula. The empirical formula of this will be
`C_2H_5`

Option B:
`C_3H_(6)`

As, the atoms are not in the smallest whole number ratio, it is not the empirical formula. The empirical formula of this will be
`CH_2`

Option C:
`CH_(4)`

As, the atoms are in the smallest whole number ratio, it is the empirical formula.

Option D:
`C_2H_(6)`

As, the atoms are not in the smallest whole number ratio, it is not the empirical formula. The empirical formula of this will be
`CH_3`

Hence, the empirical formula is
`CH_(4)`