Answer:
CH₂O
Explanation:
From the question given above, the following data were obtained:
Carbon (C) = 39.9%
Hydrogen (H) = 6.7%
Oxygen (O) = 53.4%
Empirical formula =?
The empirical formula of acetic acid can be obtained as follow:
C = 39.9%
H = 6.7%
O = 53.4%
Divide by their molar mass
C = 39.9 / 12 = 3.3
H = 6.7 / 1 = 6.7
O = 53.4 / 16 = 3.3
Divide by the smallest
C = 3.3 / 3.3 = 1
H = 6.7 / 3.3 = 2
O = 3.3 / 3.3 = 1
The empirical formula => CH₂O
