Answer:
C2H3O2
Explanation:
Empirical formula is defined as the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms present in a molecule. To solve this question we need to convert the percentage of each atom to moles using molar mass. With the moles of each atom we can find the ratio:
Moles C -Molar mass: 12.01g/mol-
40.68g * (1mol/12.01g) = 3.387 moles C
Moles H-Molar mass:1g/mol-:
5.12g * (1mol/1g) = 5.12 moles H
Moles O -Molar mass: 16g/mol-
54.19g * (1mol/16g) = 3.387 moles O
Ratio of atoms (Dividing in moles of C that are the lower number of moles):
C = 3.387 moles C / 3.387moles C = 1
H = 5.12moles H / 3.387moles C = 1.5
O = 3.387moles O / 3.387 moles C = 1
This ratio twice (To have only whole-numbers):
C = 2
H = 3
O = 2
Empirical formula of succinic acid:
