A 5.41 g sample of carbon reacts with hydrogen to form 6.32 g of an organic compound. What is the empirical formula of the organic compound?

CH₂

Explanation:

From the question given above, the following data were obtained:

Mass of Carbon (C) = 5.41 g

Mass of compound = 6.32 g

Empirical formula =?

Next, we shall determine the mass of Hydrogen (H) in the compound. This can be obtained as follow:

Mass of Carbon (C) = 5.41 g

Mass of compound = 6.32 g

Mass of Hydrogen (H) =?

Mass of H = mass of compound – mass of C

Mass of H = 6.32 – 5.41

Mass of H = 0.91 g

Finally, we shall determine the empirical formula of the compound. This can be obtained as follow:

Mass of C = 5.41 g

Mass of H = 0.91 g

Divide by their molar mass

C = 5.41 / 12 = 0.451

H = 0.91 / 1 = 0.91

Divide by the smallest

C = 0.451 / 0.451 = 1

H = 0.91 / 0.451 = 2

Thus, the empirical formula for the compound is CH₂