Question

51. A hydrocarbon was found to contain 83.7% by mass of carbon and 16.3% by mass of hydrogen. What is the empirical formula of the hydrocarbon? (a) C4H11 (b) C5H12 (c) C3H7 (d) C4H10​

Answer 1

Explanation:

Convert the mass to moles of each element

Carbon :  83.7 / 12 =  6.975  Moles

Hydrogen 16.3 / 1 = 16.3    moles

Divide by the smallest moles to get ratio

  C      6.975/6.975 = 1

  H     16.3 / 6.975 =~ 2.33       multiply through by 3 to get whole numbers

    C:H  =     3: 7       C3H7