Why is my working out wrong?!

Hi,
Start with the equation
CxHy + O2 = CO2 + H20 (x and y variables)

The only source of C and H is from the CxHy

The amount of C in the CO2 = 0.352 X 12/44 (Mw C/ Mw CO2) = 0.0960g

Same for H in water = 0.108 X 2/18 (Note: 2 atoms of H) = 0.0120g

So moles of C present = 0.096/12 = 0.00800g Moles H =0.012/1 = 0.012

Empirical formula is the ratio of C = 0.008:0.012 = 1:1.5 =2:3 So the empirical formula is C2H3 (Hopefully that is the right way of working the equation out, Good Luck )

TornadoLord125

Empirical formula is the simplest ratio. You most likely have the molecular formula.

C2H3 is the simplest Ration of C8H12.

You need to do what the post above says

The carbon to carbon dioxide molecules ratio is 1:1 (because there Is 1 carbon atoms in each carbon dioxide molecule). This means that there are 0.008 moles of carbon atoms (as there are the same amount of carbon atoms as there are carbon dioxide molecules).

The hydrogen to water molecules ratio is 2:1 (because there are 2 hydrogen atoms in each molecules). This means that there are 0.006 x 2 = 0.012 moles of hydrogen atoms (as there are twice the amount of hydrogen atoms as water molecules).

The number of carbon and hydrogen atoms stay the same during the reaction so there are 0.008 moles of carbon and 0.012 moles of hydrogen in the hydrocarbon. This means that the ratio of carbon to hydrogen in a hydrocarbon molecule is 0.008:0.012 . This ratio is whole number ratio is 2:3, so the empirical formula is C2H3

Let me know if you need anymore explanation