The ratio of carbon atoms of hydrogen atoms in a hydrocarbon is 1:2. If its molecular mass is 56, what is its molecular formula?

Answer Details

In order to determine the molecular formula of the hydrocarbon, we need to use the information given in the question to calculate the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms in the molecule. The ratio of carbon atoms to hydrogen atoms in the hydrocarbon is 1:2, which means that for every one carbon atom, there are two hydrogen atoms. We can represent this ratio using the general formula C\(_{n}\)H\(_{2n}\), where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. Next, we are given the molecular mass of the hydrocarbon, which is 56. To find the value of n, we need to use the molecular formula to calculate the molecular mass. For the general formula C\(_{n}\)H\(_{2n}\), the molecular mass can be calculated using the formula: Molecular mass = n x (atomic mass of carbon) + 2n x (atomic mass of hydrogen) Substituting the values of atomic mass for carbon and hydrogen (12 and 1, respectively), and the given molecular mass of 56, we get: 56 = n x 12 + 2n x 1 Simplifying this equation, we get: 56 = 14n n = 4 Therefore, the molecular formula of the hydrocarbon is C\(_{4}\)H\(_{8}\), which is option B in the question. In summary, the hydrocarbon in the question has a ratio of carbon atoms to hydrogen atoms of 1:2, and a molecular mass of 56. Using this information, we can calculate that its molecular formula is C\(_{4}\)H\(_{8}\).