Final answer:
The empirical formula of adipic acid is CH₂O.
Step-by-step explanation:
If we know a compound's formula, we can easily determine the empirical formula. For example, the molecular formula for acetic acid is C₂H₄O₂. This formula indicates that a molecule of acetic acid contains two carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The ratio of atoms is 2:4:2. Dividing by the lowest common denominator (2) gives the simplest, whole-number ratio of atoms, 1:2:1, so the empirical formula is CH₂O.