Final answer:
Acetylene is used in fusion welding for its ability to produce a very hot flame, reaching around 3300°C, that enables effective metal joining and strong welds. It is also a chemical precursor for producing various plastics, fibers, and resins. The empirical and molecular formula for acetylene, indicative of its composition, is C₂H₂.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acetylene is widely used in fusion welding because it produces a flame that can reach extremely high temperatures, specifically around 3300°C. This high temperature is crucial for effectively joining metals by melting them. The intense heat from the acetylene flame ensures strong welds by allowing the metal edges to fuse together properly. In addition to welding, acetylene serves as a primary material in the chemical industry to produce chemical intermediates, which subsequently are used to manufacture products like vinyl and acrylic plastics, fibers, and resins.
Moreover, acetylene burns readily and releases significant energy upon combustion, which is harnessed in oxyacetylene torches for both cutting and welding metal pieces. The ratio of carbon to hydrogen in acetylene, 92.3% C and 7.7% H by mass, confirms its empirical formula C₂H₂, which also represents its molecular formula under standard conditions.
Due to these characteristics, acetylene is integral not only for welding applications but also as a building block for an array of industrial processes, confirming its versatility and importance.