Final answer:
The empirical formula of ethane is CH3. Ethane has a low boiling point due to its molecular structure and weak intermolecular forces.
Step-by-step explanation:
(i) The empirical formula of a compound represents the simplest ratio of elements present in the compound. For ethane (C2H6), the empirical formula is CH3. To obtain the empirical formula, divide the subscripts by their greatest common factor (2 in this case).
(ii) Ethane is a covalent compound as it consists of nonmetallic elements (carbon and hydrogen) bonded together through covalent bonds. The low boiling point of ethane is due to its molecular structure and the weak intermolecular forces between the molecules. Ethane molecules are held together by relatively weak London dispersion forces, which require less energy to overcome, leading to a low boiling point.
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