How to Determine the Empirical Formula from Combustion Analysis Data?

In summary, the empirical formula for a compound containing only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen is CHO, based on the given information of 2.66 grams of the compound producing 4.50 grams of CO2 and 1.10 grams of H2O when burned completely. Using dimensional analysis, we find the mole ratios of C, H, and O to be 1:1:1, resulting in an empirical formula of CHO.
  • #1
shap
2
0

Homework Statement


When 2.66 grams of a compound containing only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen is burned completely, 4.50 grams of CO2 and 1.10 grams of H2O are produced. What is the empirical formula of the compound?
Answer Options:
C5H6O4
C5H6O5
C5H12O5
C4H6O3
C4H8O3
C3H4O3
C4H4O5
C5H8O4
C4H4O3

Homework Equations


Dimensional Analysis


The Attempt at a Solution


4.5gCO2*(1molCO2/44gCO2)*(1molCO2/1molC)*(12gC/1molC)=1.23gC
1.1gH20*(1molH2)/18gH2O*(1molH2O/1molH)*(1gH/1molH)=.122gH
2.66g-1.23g-.122g=1.308gO

1.23gC*(1molC/12gC)=.1023molC/.0819mol=1C
.122gH*(1molH/1gH)=.122molH/.0819mol=1H
1.31gO*(1molO/16gO)=.0819molO/.0819mol=1O
Empirical Formula:CHO<--not an available answer
 
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  • #2
shap said:
1.1gH20*(1molH2)/18gH2O*(1molH2O/1molH)*(1gH/1molH)=.122gH

how many mol of H in H2O?
 
  • #3
Sorry that was a typo, in my calculation I used 2 mol of H in H2O.
 
  • #4
shap said:
1.23gC*(1molC/12gC)=.1023molC/.0819mol=1C
.122gH*(1molH/1gH)=.122molH/.0819mol=1H
1.31gO*(1molO/16gO)=.0819molO/.0819mol=1O
Empirical Formula:CHO<--not an available answer

you can't round down to 1. Keep the decimals and multiply all mole numbers by the same factor until you get whole numbers
 

1. What is combustion train analysis?

Combustion train analysis is a scientific method used to measure and analyze the chemical reactions and energy output of a combustion process. It involves studying the combustion products, such as exhaust gases, to determine the efficiency and performance of the combustion process.

2. Why is combustion train analysis important?

Combustion train analysis is important because it allows scientists and engineers to understand and optimize the performance of combustion processes. This is crucial for industries such as energy production, transportation, and manufacturing, which heavily rely on combustion for their operations.

3. What are the components of a combustion train?

A combustion train typically consists of a fuel source, an oxidizer, a combustion chamber, and a means of measuring and analyzing the combustion products. This can include instruments such as gas analyzers, thermocouples, and flow meters.

4. How is combustion train analysis performed?

Combustion train analysis involves setting up the components of the combustion train and controlling the variables, such as fuel-air ratio and temperature, to simulate a real-world combustion process. The combustion products are then collected and analyzed using various instruments to determine the efficiency and performance of the combustion process.

5. What are the applications of combustion train analysis?

Combustion train analysis has a wide range of applications, including developing more efficient and cleaner combustion processes, evaluating the performance of fuels and fuel additives, and understanding the environmental impacts of combustion. It is also used in research and development of new technologies, such as alternative fuels and renewable energy sources.

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