JAMB - Chemistry (1985 - No. 37)
An organic compound contains 72% carbon, 12% hydrogen and 16% oxygen by mass. The empirical formula of the compound is
C8H22O3
C6H10O3
C12H12O
C6H12O
C3H6O
Explanation
carbon = 72%, hydrogen = 12%, 16%
Dividing by the atomic weight we have for C = \(\frac{5}{1}\) = 6
H = \(\frac{12}{1}\) = 12
O = \(\frac{16}{16}\) = 1
Divide by the smallest number, we have = \(\frac{6}{1}\) = 6
H = \(\frac{12}{1}\) = 12
O = \(\frac{1}{1}\) = 1
The formula is C6H12O
Dividing by the atomic weight we have for C = \(\frac{5}{1}\) = 6
H = \(\frac{12}{1}\) = 12
O = \(\frac{16}{16}\) = 1
Divide by the smallest number, we have = \(\frac{6}{1}\) = 6
H = \(\frac{12}{1}\) = 12
O = \(\frac{1}{1}\) = 1
The formula is C6H12O
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