Calculating the Empirical Formula of a Hydrocarbon: Step-by-Step Guide

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the empirical formula of a hydrocarbon based on the combustion of a 7.81 g sample, which produced 26.4 g of CO2. The conversion of carbon in the hydrocarbon to CO2 during combustion is clarified, indicating that the mass of CO2 reflects the amount of carbon present in the original sample. The empirical formula can be determined by analyzing the ratio of carbon to hydrogen in the hydrocarbon. The correct empirical formula options provided include CH, C2H10, and others, with the process of combustion being essential for the calculation.

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Homework Statement



A whole class of compounds is composed of just carbon and hydrogen, the "hydrocarbons". If a 7.81 g sample of a hydrocarbon was analyzed and the carbon was converted to 26.4g of CO2 what is the empirical formula?

Homework Equations



No clue what converted means... and how a part of the sample increases in mass...

The Attempt at a Solution




Choices

a) CH b)CH10 c)C2H10 d)C10H e)C10H2
 
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I see your confusion.

7.81 g of hydrocarbon was burnt in exess oxygen, 26.4 g of CO2 were produced.

--
methods
 
"Converted" means the hydrocarbon reacted with oxygen at a high temperature, and the carbon was all burned to carbon dioxide.
 

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