Question

The empirical formula of C₂H₄O₂ is___________

CH₂O

C₂H₄O₂

CH₄O

C₄H₈O₄

Answer 1

Solution:

The empirical formula is smallest integer ratio between the atoms that make up a molecule.

Here, the given molecular formula is C₂H₄O_2. This molecule contains

• two atoms of carbon
• four atoms of hydrogen
• two atoms of oxygen

If we divide all these values by 2, will get

• One atom of carbon,
• Two atoms of hydrogen
• One atom of oxygen

Hence, building block to make this molecule will be CH₂O.

Therefore, Empirical formula will be - CH₂O.

Hence option 1st is correct.