The molecular formular of a hydrocarbon with an empirical formula of CH3 3 and a molar mass of 30 is

Assessment: JAMB UTME - Chemistry - 2024 Subject: Chemistry

Question 1 Report

The molecular formular of a hydrocarbon with an empirical formula of CH3 3   and a molar mass of 30 is 
Answer Details

To find the molecular formula of a hydrocarbon given its empirical formula and molar mass, you need to compare the empirical formula mass with the given molar mass.


The empirical formula given is CH3. The molar mass of the empirical formula is calculated as follows:


  • Carbon (C): 1 atom × 12 g/mol = 12 g/mol
  • Hydrogen (H): 3 atoms × 1 g/mol = 3 g/mol

Total empirical formula mass = 12 + 3 = 15 g/mol


The provided molar mass of the compound is 30 g/mol. To determine how many empirical units are in the molecular formula, divide the molecular mass (given) by the empirical formula mass:


Number of empirical units = 30 g/mol / 15 g/mol = 2


Therefore, the molecular formula is twice the empirical formula:


Empirical formula: CH3


Molecular formula: (CH3)2 = C2H6


The correct molecular formula is C2H6.

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