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

Solution Steps

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.

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.

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