Question

What is the molecular formula of each compound if the empirical formula is CH and the actual molar mass of compound is 78 g/mole?

Answer 1

The molecular formula is `C_6H_6`.

Explanation:

First, calculate the molar mass of the empirical formula, `CH` by adding the molar mass of carbon and hydrogen.

`12 + 1 = 13color(white)(l)g`/`molcolor(white)(l)CH`

Now, divide the molar mass of the molecular compound (actual molar mass) by the molar mass of `CH` to see how many times more massive the actual compound is.

`78/13=6` times more massive

After multiplying each atom in the empirical formula by 6, we know the molecular formula is `C_6H_6`.