Question

In a hydrocarbon, mass ratio of hydrogen and carbon is $1:3$, the empirical formula of hydrocarbon is :

• A. $C{H}_4$
• B. $C{H}_2$
• C. $C_{2}H$
• D. $C{H}_3$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $C{H}_4$

Mass ratio of $C:H=3:1$

As, molar mass ratio of $C:H=12:1$

Now, ratio of mass ratio and molar mass ratio is :

$\frac{Massratio\left(CandH\right)}{Molarmassratio\left(CandH\right)}=\frac{3:1}{12:1}=3:12=1:4$ $\left(CandH\right)$

Therefore, for every $C$ atom, there are $4H$ atoms, hence empirical formula $=C{H}_4$.