Question

A molecule of butane contains 10 atoms of hydrogen to every 4 atoms of hydrogen to every 4 atoms of carbon. Could a compound containing the number of atoms shown be butane? Explain. Compound: Hydrogen Atoms: 90 Carbon Atoms: 36

Answer 1

Yes this compound could be shown to be butane, specifically, it can be shown to be 9 molecules of butane. Check Explanation for more.

Explanation:

Butane contains 10 hydrogen atoms for every 4 carbon atoms. It's molecular formula is C₄H₁₀

The hydrocarbon compound presented has 36 carbon atoms and 90 hyfrogen atoms

If the ratio of each of these atoms present is also in the ratio 4:10 like C:H, then, it can be inferred that the compound is indeed Butane

C | H

36 | 90

dividing through by 9, we have

C | H

4 | 10

which is the exact ratio of Carbon to Hydrogen in butane.

Hence, the unknown compound is most likely 9 molecules of butane

9C₄H₁₀ = 36 carbon atoms and 90 hydrogen atoms.

Hope this Helps!!!