Determine the empirical formula that contains c, h and o. it contains 52.14% c and 34.73% o by mass.

Empirical formula is C₂H₆O

Explanation:

Given data:

Percentage of hydrogen =100 - 86.87% = 13.13%

Percentage of carbon = 52.14%

Percentage of oxygen = 34.73%

Empirical formula = ?

Solution:

Number of gram atoms of H = 13.13 / 1.01 = 13

Number of gram atoms of O = 34.73 / 16 = 2.17

Number of gram atoms of C = 52.14 / 12 = 4.345

Atomic ratio:

             C                      :      H            :         O

            4.345/2.17        :     13/2.17     :       2.17/2.17

             2                      :        6          :        1

C : H : O = 2 : 6 : 1

Empirical formula is C₂H₆O.