g Determine the empirical formula for a compound that contains C, H and O. It contains 40.92% C, 4.58% H, and 54.50% O by mass. Must show your work on scratch paper to receive credit.

The empirical formula for the compound is C3H4O3

Explanation:

The following data were obtained from the question:

Carbon (C) = 40.92%

Hydrogen (H) = 4.58%

Oxygen (O) = 54.50%

The empirical formula for the compound can be obtained as follow:

C = 40.92%

H = 4.58%

O = 54.50%

Divide by their molar mass

C = 40.92/12 = 3.41

H = 4.58/1 = 4.58

O = 54.50/16 = 3.41

Divide by the smallest i.e 3.41

C = 3.41/3.41 = 1

H = 4.58/3.41 = 1.3

O = 3.41/3.41 = 1

Multiply through by 3 to express in whole number

C = 1 x 3 = 3

H = 1.3 x 3 = 4

O = 1 x 3 = 3

The empirical formula for the compound is C3H4O3