Question

Licopene, a red pigment found in tomatoes, has the empirical formula C5H7, and its molecular mass is found to be approximately 537 amu. How many empirical units are in the actual molecular formula

Answer 1

8

Step-by-step explanation:

From the question given above, the following data were obtained:

Empirical formula = C₅H₇

Molecular weight = 537 amu.

Number of empirical unit (n) =?

We can obtain the number of empirical units in the actual molecular formula by doing the following:

[C₅H₇]n = 537

[(12×5) + (1×7)]n = 537

[60 + 7]n = 537

67n = 537

Divide both side by 67

n = 537/67

n = 8

Thus, there are 8 empirical units in the molecular formula