Question on: JAMB Chemistry - 2013
An organic compound contains 60% carbon, 13.3% hydrogen and 26.7% oxygen. Calculate the empirical formula
rn(C=12,H =1, O=16)
rn(C=12,H =1, O=16)
A
C 5H 12O
B
C 3H 8O
C
C 6H 13O 2
D
C 4H 9O
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Correct Option: B
Here's how to calculate the empirical formula:
1. **Assume a 100g sample:** This makes the percentages directly equivalent to grams of each element. So, we have 60g C, 13.3g H, and 26.7g O.
2. **Convert grams to moles:** Divide the mass of each element by its molar mass:
* C: 60 g / 12 g/mol = 5 mol
* H: 13.3 g / 1 g/mol = 13.3 mol
* O: 26.7 g / 16 g/mol = 1.67 mol
3. **Find the simplest whole-number ratio
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