Question

What is the empirical formula of a compound containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the ratio 14:42:84? C14H42O84

Answer 1

C:H:O = 14:42:84 = 7:21:42 = 1:3:6

CH₃O₆

Answer 2

The answer is CH₃O₆

An empirical formula is the simplest ratio. So, let's simplify the ratio

14 : 42 : 84

All numbers are divisible by 14, therefore:

14 : 42 : 84 = (14/14) : (42/14) : (84:14) = 1 : 3 : 6

So, it contains 1 C-atom, 3 H-atoms, and 6 O-atoms