A compound containing only carbon and hydrogen produces 1.80 gCO2 and 0.738 gH2O. Find the empirical formula of the compound. Express your answer as an empirical formula.

The empirical formula is CH2

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

Mass of CO2 produced = 1.80 grams

Mass of H2O produced = 0.738 grams

Step 2: The balanced equation

CxHy + O2 → CO2 + H2O

Step 3: Calculate moles CO2

Moles CO2 = mass CO2 / molar mass CO2

Moles CO2 = 1.80 grams / 44.01 g/mol

Moles CO2 = 0.0409 moles

Step 4: Calculate moles C

In 1 mol CO2 we have 1 mol CO2

In 0.0409 moles CO2 we have 0.0409 mol C

Step 5: Calculate moles H2O

Moles H2O = mass H2O / molar mass H2O

Moles H2O = 0.738 grams / 18.02 g/mol

Moles H2O = 0.04095  moles

Step 6: Calculate moles H

In 1 mol H2O we have 2 moles H

In 0.04095 moles H2O we have 2*0.04095 = 0.0819 moles H

Step 7: Calculate the mol ratio

We divide by the smallest amount of moles

C: 0.0409 / 0.0409 = 1

H: 0.0819 moles / 0.0409 =  2

The empirical formula is CH2

the answer is option a.