What is the empirical formula of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). If Carbon is 40.91%, Hydrogen is 4.5% and Oxygen is 54.50%. Show your solution

In 100 g of ascorbic acid, we will have 40.92 g C, 4.58 g H, and 54.50 g O. The whole-number ratio gives us the subscripts for the empirical formula. Thus, the empirical formula is C3H4O3.

Explanation:

When given % composition, and asked for the empirical formula, it is easiest to just assume 100 g of material. Thus,

Mass C = 40.92 g.  Moles C = 40.92 g x 1 mole/12 g = 3.41 moles C

Mass H = 4.58 g.  Moles H = 4.58 g x 1 mole/1.0 g = 4.58 moles H

Mass O = 54.50 g.  Moles O = 54.50 g x 1 mole/16 g = 3.41 moles O

Next, we want to get the moles into whole numbers, so we begin by dividing all by the smallest, i.e. divide all by 3.41.

Moles C = 3.41/3.41 = 1

Moles H = 4.58/3.41 = 1.34

Moles O = 3.41/3.41 = 1

Now, in order to get 1.34 to be a whole number we multiply it (and all others) by 3

Moles C = 1x3 = 3

Moles H = 1.34x3 = 4

Moles O = 1x3 = 3

Empirical Formula = C3H4O3

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Miss Hawaii

each  column  of the  table  is called a group. elements in a group share similar properties. groups are  read  from  top  to  bottom. metal. metalloid. nonmetal. solid. liquid. gas. fe. hg. o.  2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.  2. beryllium. 9.012. 4.  sodium. 22.990.  11. 3.  magnesium. 24.305.  12.  potassium. 39.098.  19. 4.  calcium. 40.078.  20. i guess  i  

i think   the answer is c hope i'm right