Question

Polymers are large molecules composed of simple units repeated many times. Thus, they often have relatively simple empirical formulas. Calculate the empirical formulas of the following polymers:

a) (C2H4)n
b) (C3H6)n
c) (C4H8)n
d) (C6H12)n

Answer 1

The empirical formulas for the polymers given are C2H4 for (C2H4)n, C3H6 for (C3H6)n, C4H8 for (C4H8)n, and C6H12 for (C6H12)n. These formulas represent the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms within one monomer unit.

Step-by-step explanation:

Polymers are large molecules that consist of repeating structural units called monomers. These monomers are covalently bonded to form a long and repeating chain, giving rise to polymers with high relative molecular masses. The empirical formula of a polymer is the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements that make up the polymer. To calculate the empirical formulas of the given polymers:

• a) (C2H4)n: The empirical formula is the same as the formula given, which is C2H4. This is because the formula already shows the simplest whole-number ratio of carbon (C) to hydrogen (H).
• b) (C3H6)n: Similarly, the empirical formula for this polymer is C3H6.
• c) (C4H8)n: The empirical formula for this polymer is C4H8.
• d) (C6H12)n: The empirical formula is C6H12.

The empirical formula essentially represents one repeating unit (monomer) of the polymer.