Question

what is the molecular formula of something with an empirical formula CO that has a molar mass of 56g/mol ?

Answer 1

C₂O₂

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Given data

• Empirical formula: CO

• Molar mass of the molecular formula: 56 g/mol

Step 2: Calculate the molar mass of the empirical formula

M(CO) = 1 × M(C) + 1 × M(O) = 1 × 12 g/mol + 1 × 16 g/mol = 28 g/mol

Step 3: Calculate "n"

We will use the following expression.

n = molar mass of molecular formula / molar mass of empirical formula

n = (56 g/mol) / (28 g/mol) = 2

The molecular formula is:

CO × n = CO × 2 = C₂O₂