Question

1. an unknown compound consists of 2 moles of oxygen, 4 moles of hydrogen, and 3 moles of carbon. the empirical formula of the compound should be: a $c_3h_4o_2$ b $c_2h_4o_3$ c $c_6h_8o_4$ d $ch_2o$

Explanation:

Step1: List mole ratios

Moles of C: 3, H: 4, O: 2

Step2: Find smallest common divisor

The greatest common divisor of 3, 4, 2 is 1.

Step3: Divide moles by divisor

Carbon: $\frac{3}{1}=3$, Hydrogen: $\frac{4}{1}=4$, Oxygen: $\frac{2}{1}=2$

Answer:

a. $\text{C}_3\text{H}_4\text{O}_2$