MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #4523

An unknown hydrocarbon with formula CₓHᵧ contains 82.76% carbon by mass. Calculate its empirical formula.

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #4523

  1. Question 1

    Q1. An unknown hydrocarbon with formula CₓHᵧ contains 82.76% carbon by mass. Calculate its empirical formula.

    • A) CH₂
    • B) C₂H₅
    • C) C₃H₈
    • D) C₄H₁₀

    Answer: C₂H₅

    Explanation: Carbon mass ratio: (12x)/(12x + y) = 0.8276. Solving gives x/y = 2/5. Distractor C miscalculates ratio.