Chemistry

Question Analysis
This question assesses the student's ability to determine the empirical formula from the percent composition of a compound.

Key Concept Explanation
To find the empirical formula, convert the percent composition to grams, then to moles, and finally find the simplest whole-number ratio of moles.

Step-by-step Solution
1. Assume a 100 g sample: C: 27.3 g, H: 4.5 g, O: 68.2 g.
2. Convert grams to moles: C: 27.3 g / 12.01 g/mol ≈ 2.27 mol, H: 4.5 g / 1.008 g/mol ≈ 4.46 mol, O: 68.2 g / 16.00 g/mol ≈ 4.26 mol.
3. Find mole ratio (divide by smallest mole v...