Final Answer:
The empirical formula for C₄H₁₀ is C₂H₅, making (option D) C₂H₅ the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements in a compound. To determine the empirical formula for C₄H₁₀, we need to find the greatest common factor for the number of atoms of each element. In this case, both carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) have a common factor of 2. Dividing both subscripts by 2 gives C₂H₅, which is the simplest whole-number ratio (option D).
The molecular formula for a compound represents the actual number of each type of atom in a molecule. In this case, the molecular formula C₄H₁₀ can be reduced to the empirical formula C₂H₅ by dividing both subscripts by the greatest common factor, which is 2. This reduction ensures that we express the simplest ratio of carbon to hydrogen atoms in the compound.
In summary, Hermione Granger can confidently determine that the empirical formula for C₄H₁₀ is C₂H₅. This reflects the simplest whole-number ratio of carbon to hydrogen atoms in the compound, and option D) C₂H₅ is the correct representation of the empirical formula for C₄H₁₀.