Final answer:
To determine the empirical formula, convert the percent composition to grams assuming 100 grams of the compound, then to moles using the molar masses of carbon and hydrogen. Find the simplest whole number ratio of the moles, which in this case is approximately 1:1, giving an empirical formula of CH.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the empirical formula of a compound with a known percent composition, we start by assuming that we have 100 grams of the compound. This way, we can convert the percentages to grams directly. Given that the compound contains 92.25% carbon and 7.75% hydrogen, we have 92.25 g of carbon and 7.75 g of hydrogen.
Next, we convert these masses to moles by using the molar masses of carbon (approximately 12.01 g/mol) and hydrogen (approximately 1.008 g/mol). Thus, we get:
- Carbon: 92.25 g ÷ 12.01 g/mol = 7.68 moles
- Hydrogen: 7.75 g ÷ 1.008 g/mol = 7.69 moles
Now we find the simplest whole number ratio by dividing both values by the smallest number of moles obtained. In this case, the ratio is roughly 1:1.
Therefore, the empirical formula is CH, indicating there is a 1:1 ratio of carbon to hydrogen in the compound.