AP Chem Find Empirical Formula

In summary, the problem involves finding the empirical formula of a compound containing only C, H, and N based on the results of its combustion. The attempt made to solve the problem includes finding the percentages of C and H in CO2 and H2O, and then using this information to calculate the mg of C and H in the compound. However, the mistake made was not converting from mg to g, resulting in an incorrect empirical formula.
  • #1
Phyzwizz
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0
So this problem was a part of my homework and I did the whole thing but apparently I got it wrong. Could someone point out what's wrong with my work?

Question:A compound contains only C, H, and N. Combustion of 35.0mg of the compound produces 33.5mg CO2 and 41.1mg H2O. What is the empirical formula of the compound.

Attempt: Found percent C in CO2: 2(16.00g)+12.01g=44.01g. 12.01g/44.01gx100%=27.29%C.
Found percent H in H2O:2(1.008g)+16.00g=18.016g. 2.016g/18.016x100%=11.9%H
Found mg of C: 27.29%x33.5mgCO2x1mgC/1mgCO2=9.14mgC
Found mg of H: 11.19%x41.1mgH2Ox1mgH/1mgH2O=4.60mgH

At this point I assumed that because the combusted compound contains only C, H, and N that I could just take the remaining 35-(9.14+4.60)=21.26 and that would be the mg of Nitrogen (If this is where the mistake is made how can I correct it?)

took a 100mg sample
H: 4.60mg/35.0mgx100%=13.1%H 13.1gHx1molH/1.008gH=12.996molH
C:9.14mg/35.0mgx100%=26.1%C 26.1gCx1molC/12.01gC=2.17molC
N:21.26mg/35.0mgx100%=75.0% 75.0gNx1molN/14.01gN=5.355molN

H:12.996/2.17=5.99=6 C: 2.17/2.17=1 N:5.355/2.17=2.47=2.5​
At this point because N turns out to be 2.5 I assume the empirical formula must be doubled and so I end with my final answer of C2H12N5 which is wrong, according to my teacher's work.

I hope all the work shown doesn't overwhelm people into not answering this.
 
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  • #2
If there's a problem, I can't find it.
 
  • #3
I was looking over it some more, and apparently I forgot to convert from mg to g and that's why the empirical formula is off.
 

1. What is an empirical formula in AP Chemistry?

An empirical formula in AP Chemistry represents the simplest whole number ratio of elements in a compound. It is determined by experimental data, such as mass or percent composition.

2. How do you find the empirical formula of a compound?

To find the empirical formula of a compound, you must first determine the mass or percent composition of each element in the compound. Then, divide each value by the element's molar mass. Finally, simplify the resulting ratios to the smallest whole numbers to determine the empirical formula.

3. Can the empirical formula be the same as the molecular formula?

No, the empirical formula and molecular formula are not always the same. The empirical formula represents the simplest ratio of elements, while the molecular formula represents the exact number of each element in a molecule.

4. What is the difference between empirical and molecular formula?

The main difference between empirical and molecular formula is that the empirical formula represents the simplest whole number ratio of elements, while the molecular formula represents the exact number of each element in a molecule. The molecular formula is typically a multiple of the empirical formula.

5. How does finding the empirical formula help in determining the identity of a compound?

Finding the empirical formula can help in determining the identity of a compound because it provides information about the relative amounts of elements present. This information can be used to compare the empirical formula to known compounds and help identify the compound in question.

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