Questions: What is the empirical formula of acetic acid, HC2H3O2? A HCO B H2C4H6O4 C H2CO D CO2

What is the empirical formula of acetic acid, HC2H3O2? A HCO B H2C4H6O4 C H2CO D CO2
Transcript text: What is the empirical formula of acetic acid, $\mathrm{HC}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2}$ ? A HCO B \[ \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}_{4} \] C \[ \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO} \] D \[ \mathrm{CO}_{2} \]
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Solution

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Solution Steps

Step 1: Determine the Molecular Formula of Acetic Acid

The molecular formula of acetic acid is given as \(\mathrm{HC}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{3}\mathrm{O}_{2}\). This can be rewritten as \(\mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{4}\mathrm{O}_{2}\) to clearly show the number of each type of atom.

Step 2: Calculate the Simplest Whole Number Ratio

To find the empirical formula, we need to determine the simplest whole number ratio of the atoms in the compound. The molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{4}\mathrm{O}_{2}\) indicates there are 2 carbon atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.

Step 3: Simplify the Ratio

Divide each subscript in the molecular formula by the greatest common divisor of the subscripts, which is 2 in this case:

  • Carbon: \(\frac{2}{2} = 1\)
  • Hydrogen: \(\frac{4}{2} = 2\)
  • Oxygen: \(\frac{2}{2} = 1\)

Thus, the empirical formula is \(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\mathrm{O}\).

Final Answer

The empirical formula of acetic acid is \(\boxed{\mathrm{CH}_{2}\mathrm{O}}\).

Note: The correct answer is not listed among the options provided.

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