Complete combustion of a hydrocarbon gives 0.66 g of CO_(2) and 0.36g of H_(2)O. Find the empirical formula of the compound.

Complete combustion of a hydrocarbon gives 0.66 g of CO_(2) and 0.36g

1.	Complete combustion of a hydrocarbon gives 0.66 g of CO_(2) and 0.36g of H_(2)O. Find the empirical formula of the compound.
Answer» Solution :Let the mass of the substance taken = w g `:. % C = (12)/(44) xx(0.66)/(w) xx 100 = (18)/(w)` and `% H = (2)/(18) xx (0.36)/(w) xx 100 = (4)/(w)` Ratio of ATOMS, `C : H = (18)/(w) xx (1)/(12) : (4)/(w) xx (1)/(1) = 3 : 8` Hence, E.F. = `C_(3)H_(8)`.