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The molecular formula of ethanoic acid is C₂H₄O₂ - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question d - 2013
Question d
The molecular formula of ethanoic acid is C₂H₄O₂. Write its empirical formula.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The molecular formula of ethanoic acid is C₂H₄O₂ - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question d - 2013
Step 1
Write the empirical formula.
Answer
The empirical formula is obtained by simplifying the molecular formula to its simplest ratio of its elements. The molecular formula of ethanoic acid is C₂H₄O₂, which indicates that there are 2 carbon (C), 4 hydrogen (H), and 2 oxygen (O) atoms.
To determine the empirical formula, we divide the number of each atom by the greatest common divisor of the atom counts:
- For Carbon: 2 ÷ 2 = 1
- For Hydrogen: 4 ÷ 2 = 2
- For Oxygen: 2 ÷ 2 = 1
Thus, the empirical formula is CH₂O.