Chemistry

Question Analysis
This question involves a two-step calculation: first determining the empirical formula from percent composition data, then finding the molecular formula using the compound’s molar mass. The main focus is on accurate mole ratio calculation and proper scaling of the empirical formula with a whole-number multiplier .

Key Concept Explanation
1. Empirical Formula: Calculated by converting mass percentages to moles (assuming a 100g sample) and finding the simplest whole-number atom ratio.
2. Molecular Formula: Equals empirical formula, where and must be a positive integer.

Step-by-Step Solution
1. Calculate moles of each element (assume 100g sample; use approximate molar masses: C = 12, H = 1, O = 16 for high school problems)
C:
H:
O:
2. Find mole ratio (divide by the smallest mole value, 2.699)
C:
H: