Answer:
The empirical formula is C₂H₃
Explanation:
The empirical formula of a chemical compound is defined as the simplest positive integer ratio of atoms present in a compound.
The reaction of combustion for a CₐHₓ is:
CₐHₓ + (a+x/4) O₂ → a CO₂ + ˣ/₂ H₂O
The moles obtained are
15,3 g of CO₂ × [tex]\frac{1mol}{44,01g}[/tex] = 0,3476 moles of CO₂≡moles of C
4,70 g of H₂O × [tex]\frac{1mol}{18,02g}[/tex] = 0,2608 moles of H₂O × 2 = 0,5216 moles of H.
The ratio H:C is 0,5216/0,3476= 1,5. That means you have 1,5 H per 1C, that is the same than 3H per 2C. Thus, empirical formula is:
C₂H₃
I hope it helps!
