A sample of a substance containing only C and H burns in excess O2 to yield 4.4g of CO2

and 2.7 g of H2O. The empirical formula of a substance is?

(C = 12, O = 16, H = 1)

  • A CH3
  • B CH2
  • C CH4
  • D C2H24
jamb 1997chemistry

The correct answer is A. CH3

CxHy + (x + y/4)O2 = XCO2 + (y/2)H2O

4.4 2.7

according to the equation 44x = 9y

Carbon Hydrogen

mole given ratio = (44)/(44), (2.7)/(9) = 0.1,0.3

Empirical formula = (0.1)/(0.1), (0.3)/(o.1) = 1,3 ; CH3

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