In addition to carbon monoxide $(C O)$ and carbon dioxide $(C O_{2})$ , there is a third compound of carbon called carbon sub-oxide. If a $2.500 g$ sample of carbon sub-oxide contains $1.32 g$ of $C$ and $1.18 g$ of $O$ , using the law of multiple proportions, a possible formula of carbon sub-oxide can be deduced. What is the number of carbon atoms in such a formula?

Open in App

Solution

First, find the ratio of weights of carbon to that of oxygen for three compounds.
For $C O$ , $\frac{1}{1.33} = 0.75$ ......(1)
For $C O_{2}$ , $\frac{1}{2.66} = 0.375$ ......(2)
For carbon suboxide $\frac{1.32}{1.18} = 1.12$ ......(3)
The ratio (1) : (2) :(3) is 2:1:3.
$\frac{1.32}{12} : \frac{1.18}{16} = 3 : 2$
Hence, the molecular formula is $C_{3} O_{2}$
Hence, the number of carbon atoms in the formula is 3.

Suggest Corrections

Similar questions

Q. A metal oxide contains

53 %

metal and carbon dioxide contains

27 %

carbon. Assuming the law of reciprocal proportions, the percentage of metal in the metal carbide is:

200 g

of a calcium carbonate sample decomposes on heating to give carbon dioxide and

80 g

of calcium oxide. What will be the percentage purity of calcium carbonate in the sample?
(

G i v e n : C a C O_{3} \to C a O + C O_{2}

)

Q. Total number

σ

and

π

bonds in carbon sub-oxide

(C_{3} O_{2})

is .....................

Question 6
Incomplete combustion of fuel such as petrol and diesel gives
(a) Nitrogen oxide
(b) Sulphur dioxide
(c) Carbon monoxide
(d) Carbon dioxide

Q. State whether true or false:
The oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, and the oxidation of hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water can be catalysed by an electrostatic precipitator.

Join BYJU'S Learning Program