An unknown compound is found to have 2 times as much carbon as oxygen, and contains no nitrogen. It has as much hydrogen as carbon and oxygen combined. No other elements have been detected. What is its empirical formula?
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Correct Answer: C. C2H3O
If the compound has twice as much carbon as oxygen, then that means the carbon: oxygen ratio should be 2:1. Then, we are given the information that there is as much hydrogen as there is oxygen and carbon combined. This implies that there should be 3 units of hydrogen, since there are 2 of carbon and one of oxygen. This gives us the empirical formula C2H3O.
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