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Find the empirical formula for a compound with a molecular formula of C8H12.

1 Answer

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Answer:

C2H3

Step-by-step explanation:

The empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound while the molecular formula shows us the actual number of atoms of each element

Writing C8H12 in a ratio:

8 : 12

This can be simplified by dividing by a common factor present in both numbers

8 and 12 can be divided by 4

8 ÷ 4 = 2 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3, hence the ratio is:

2 : 3

This cannot be simplified any further

Thus, the empirical formula is C2H3

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