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A sample of a compound containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms is completely combusted, producing 66.0 g of CO₂ and 36.0 g of H₂O. What is the empirical formula of the compound?

1) CH₂
2) C₂H₄
3) C₃H6
4) C₄H₈

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The empirical formula of the compound is C₃H₄. which corresponds to option 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

The empirical formula of a compound can be determined from the masses of carbon dioxide and water produced during combustion. In this case, we have 66.0 g of CO₂ and 36.0 g of H₂O.

To find the empirical formula, we need to determine the molar amounts of carbon and hydrogen in the compound. From the mass of CO₂, we can calculate the moles of carbon present. Using the molar mass of carbon dioxide (44 g/mol), we find that there are 1.5 moles of carbon (66.0 g / 44 g/mol).

Similarly, from the mass of H₂O, we can calculate the moles of hydrogen. Using the molar mass of water (18 g/mol), we find that there are 2 moles of hydrogen (36.0 g / 18 g/mol).

Since the ratio of carbon to hydrogen in the compound is 1.5:2, we can simplify it to a ratio of 3:4. Therefore, the empirical formula of the compound is C₃H₄, which corresponds to option 4.

User Guruprasad GV
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