Question

what are the molecular and empirical chemical formulas of a compound made up of these molecules? the lines stand for chemical bonds between the atoms. you can ignore the dots—they represent lone pairs and youll learn about them later. molecular formula □ empirical formula □

Explanation:

Step1: Count atoms in the molecule

From the structure: C atoms: 2, H atoms: 4 (2 from each C), O atoms: 1. So molecular formula is $C_2H_4O$.

Step2: Find the empirical formula

Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 2, 4, 1. GCD is 1. So empirical formula is same as molecular formula divided by GCD, so $C_2H_4O$ (since GCD is 1, we can't simplify further? Wait, wait, no: Wait, let's re - check. Wait, the structure: Let's re - examine the bonds. Wait, the first C has 2 H, the second C has 1 H? Wait, no, the diagram: Let's see, the first C (left) is bonded to 2 H, the double - bonded C (middle) is bonded to 1 H, and then the O - H. Wait, maybe I miscounted. Wait, let's do it properly.

Looking at the Lewis - like structure:

• Carbon atoms: 2 (the two C atoms connected by a double bond)
• Hydrogen atoms: Let's count: The left C has 2 H, the middle C has 1 H, and the O is bonded to 1 H. So total H: 2 + 1+1 = 4? Wait, no, the O - H is one H, the left C: 2 H, middle C: 1 H. So H: 2 + 1+1 = 4. O: 1. So molecular formula: $C_2H_4O$.

For empirical formula, we find the simplest whole - number ratio of atoms. The ratio of C:H:O is 2:4:1. Since 2, 4, and 1 have no common divisor other than 1, the empirical formula is also $C_2H_4O$? Wait, no, wait, maybe I made a mistake in counting H. Wait, maybe the middle C is bonded to 2 H? Wait, the original diagram: Let's see, the left C: bonded to 2 H (down and left), the middle C: bonded to 1 H (up) and then double - bonded to C, and then bonded to O? Wait, no, the structure is: H - C (with 2 H: one down, one left) = C (with 1 H: up) - O - H. So C: 2, H: 2 (left C) + 1 (middle C)+1 (O - H)=4, O:1. So molecular formula $C_2H_4O$.

Empirical formula: The ratio of C:H:O is 2:4:1. Since we can't divide 2, 4, 1 by a common integer greater than 1, the empirical formula is $C_2H_4O$? Wait, no, wait, 2, 4, 1: GCD of 2,4,1 is 1. So the empirical formula is the same as molecular formula in this case? Wait, no, maybe I miscounted. Wait, maybe the correct molecular formula is $C_2H_4O$ and empirical formula is $C_2H_4O$? Wait, no, let's check again. Wait, maybe the structure is for acetaldehyde? Acetaldehyde has molecular formula $C_2H_4O$ (or $CH_3CHO$ which is equivalent to $C_2H_4O$) and empirical formula $C_2H_4O$ (since the ratio 2:4:1 can't be simplified).

Answer:

Molecular formula: $\boldsymbol{C_2H_4O}$; Empirical formula: $\boldsymbol{C_2H_4O}$