Question: What is the empirical formula of a compound containing 40% carbon, 6.7% hydrogen, and 53.3% oxygen by mass?
Options:
Correct Answer: CH2O
Solution:
Convert percentages to grams (assume 100 g total): 40 g C, 6.7 g H, 53.3 g O. Convert to moles: C=3.33, H=6.67, O=3.33. The simplest ratio is 1:2:1, giving CH2O.