The following diagram represents the collection of co2 and h2o molecules formed by complete combustion of a hydrocarbon. (figure 1)

what is the empirical formula of the hydrocarbon?
express your answer as a chemical formula.

                   CH₄

Data Give,

                       Molecules of CO₂  =  4

                       Molecules of H₂O  =  8

Assuming the masses to be equal to the number of moles produced on product side. i.e.

                       Mass of CO₂  =  176.044 g

                       Mass of H₂O  =  144.848 g

Step 1: Calculating Moles for each Element:

C  =  Mass of CO₂ × (1 mol of CO₂÷ M.Mass of CO₂) × (1 mol of C ÷ 1 mol of CO₂)

C  =  176.044 g × (1 mol of CO₂÷ 44.011 g.mol⁻¹) × (1 mol of C ÷ 1 mol of CO₂)

C =  4 mol

H  =  Mass of H₂O × (1 mol of H₂O ÷ M.Mass of H₂O) × (2 mol of H ÷ 1 mol of H₂O)

H  =  144.848 g × (1 mol of H₂O ÷ 18.106 g.mol⁻¹) × (2 mol of H ÷ 1 mol of H₂O)

H =  16 mol

Step 2: Calculate the Smallest whole number ratio as,

                                  C                                                        H

                                   4                                                        16

                                  4/4                                                    16/4

                                    1                                                         4

           Empirical Formula is CH₄

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