Question

An organic molecule used to make coatings for non-stick cooking pans

contains 54.56 g C, 2.29 g H and 43.15 g F. Calculate the empirical
formula.

Answer 1

The empirical formula of the compound used to make coatings for non-stick cooking pans is C2HF.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the empirical formula of a compound, we need to find the ratio of the different elements present in the compound. First, we need to calculate the moles of each element using their respective masses.

Mass of C = 54.56 g, Mass of H = 2.29 g, Mass of F = 43.15 g

Moles of C = 54.56 g / 12.01 g/mol = 4.54 mol

Moles of H = 2.29 g / 1.01 g/mol = 2.27 mol

Moles of F = 43.15 g / 19.00 g/mol = 2.27 mol

The ratio of C to H to F is approximately 2:1:1. Therefore, the empirical formula is C2HF.

Answer 2

C₂HF

Step-by-step explanation:

Firstly, calculate the number of moles of each element:

Moles = mass ÷ molar mass

Mr of C = 12, Mr of H = 1, Mr of F = 19

Moles of C = 54.56 ÷ 12 = 4.547

Moles of H = 2.29 ÷ 1 = 2.290

Moles of F = 43.15 ÷ 19 = 2.271

Choose the smallest number of moles (2.271) and divide all of the moles by that. If there are any decimals round to the nearest whole number:

4.547 ÷ 2.271 = 2

2.290 ÷ 2.271 = 1

2.271 ÷ 2.271 = 1

Now we use this to determine the empirical formula:

Since we have 2 moles of C, 1 mole of H and 1 mole of F, the empirical formula is C₂HF