Answer:
Empirical Formula =
Step-by-step explanation:
First, assume 100g of element X. This will not change the result, and will allow us to record the percentages as decimals, or masses. Therefore:
Carbon Hydrogen
mass (g): 74.8 25.1
Then, use this value to calculate the number of moles of each element, using the formula n = m/M, where n is the number of moles, m is the mass, and M is the molar mass.
M(carbon) = 12.01 (can be found on periodic table)
∴ n(carbon) = 74.8/12.01
∴ n = 6.16 g/mol
M(Hydrogen) = 1.008 (can be found on periodic table)
∴ n(hydrogen) = 25.1/1.008
∴ n(hydrogen) = 24.9
The next step is to find the ratios between the two elements. This can be done by dividing each mole result by the element with the fewest moles (or the smallest number calculated in the last step) In this case, divide both n(carbon) and n(hydrogen) by 6.16. This gives us:
R(carbon) = 6.16/6.16 R(hydrogen) = 24.9/6.16
R(carbon) = 1 R(hydrogen) = 4
This tells us that there will be 1 carbon for every 4 hydrogen in element X. It can therefore be written as:
Empirical Formula =