What is the empirical formula of a compound that contains 40% carbon, 6.7% hydrogen, and 53.3% oxygen?

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Answer 1 · 2015-10-21T13:38:31

$CH_2O$

To find the ratio in moles you divide by the $A_r$ of each element.

Using approximate values:

Ratio in grams $C:H:OrArr$

$40:6.7:53.3$

Ratio in moles $rArr$

$40/12:6.7/1:53.3/16rArr$

$3.33:6.7:3.33$

Dividing through by $3.33rArr$

$1:2:1$

So the empirical formula is:

$CH_2O$