I have a question that I do not how to solve it even with the answer from the solution manual. CAn someone please explain to me on how to solve it. Thank You. (Happy New Year!)
Q: Acetylene is a hydrocarbon with molecular formula C2H2. Which of the following mass %'s could correspond to another hydrocarbon according to the law of multiple propotions?
A: 85.6% C, 14.4% H
2006-12-30 11:56:28 · 1 answers · asked by AUNIDLY 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
85.6/12 = 7.1
14.4/1 = 14.4
14.4/7.1 = 2.03 which is essentially 2.00
So the empirical formula is CH2. A hydrocarbon that would satisfy that requirement is ethylene, C2H4. The reason that it justifies the law of multiple proportions is that the ratio of H's in ethylene and acetylene is 4:2, which is 2:1, which are small, whole numbers.
However, you could tell your teacher, "Muaha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Other possibilities are propylene, C3H6; three isomers of butylene, C4H8! Need I go on? I demand extra credit for the infinite number of olefins and cycloalkanes that there are!"
2006-12-30 13:27:19 · answer #1 · answered by steve_geo1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋