QuestionJuly 18, 2025

What is the molecular formula of a molecule that has an empirical formula of CH_(2)O and a molar mass of 120.12g/mol

What is the molecular formula of a molecule that has an empirical formula of CH_(2)O and a molar mass of 120.12g/mol
What is the molecular formula of a molecule that has an empirical
formula of CH_(2)O and a molar mass of 120.12g/mol

Solution
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Answer

C_4H_8O_4 Explanation 1. Calculate Empirical Formula Mass The empirical formula CH_2O has a mass of C(12.01) + H_2(2 \times 1.008) + O(16.00) = 30.03 \, g/mol. 2. Determine the Ratio Divide the molar mass by the empirical formula mass: \frac{120.12}{30.03} \approx 4. 3. Find Molecular Formula Multiply the subscripts in the empirical formula by the ratio: (CH_2O)_4 = C_4H_8O_4.

Explanation

1. Calculate Empirical Formula Mass<br /> The empirical formula $CH_2O$ has a mass of $C(12.01) + H_2(2 \times 1.008) + O(16.00) = 30.03 \, g/mol$.<br />2. Determine the Ratio<br /> Divide the molar mass by the empirical formula mass: $\frac{120.12}{30.03} \approx 4$.<br />3. Find Molecular Formula<br /> Multiply the subscripts in the empirical formula by the ratio: $(CH_2O)_4 = C_4H_8O_4$.
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