Exactly of an unknown organic compound contains of carbon, of hydrogen, and the rest is oxygen. The — Mole Concept and Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry Chemistry Question
Question
Exactly $64\text{ g}$ of an unknown organic compound contains $24\text{ g}$ of carbon, $8\text{ g}$ of hydrogen, and the rest is oxygen. The empirical formula of the compound is:
Answer: A
💡 Solution & Explanation
Step 1: Find the mass of Oxygen. Mass of O $= 64\text{ g} - (24\text{ g} + 8\text{ g}) = 32\text{ g}$. Step 2: Convert masses to moles. Moles of C $= 24/12 = 2\text{ moles}$. Moles of H $= 8/1 = 8\text{ moles}$. Moles of O $= 32/16 = 2\text{ moles}$. Step 3: Find the simplest whole-number ratio. Ratio C:H:O $= 2 : 8 : 2$. Dividing by the smallest number (2) yields $1 : 4 : 1$. The empirical formula is $CH_4O$.
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