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6 September, 09:50

The elemental mass percent composition of malonic acid is 34.63% C, 3.87% H, and 61.50% O. Part A Determine the empirical formula of malonic acid. Express your answer as a chemical formula.

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  1. 6 September, 12:44
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    The empirical formula is C3H4O4

    Explanation:

    Step 1: Data given

    Suppose we have 100 grams of malonic acid

    Malonic acid contains:

    34.63 % C = 34.63 grams C

    3.87 % H = 3.87 grams H

    61.50 % O = 61.50 grams O

    Molar mass of C = 12.01 g/mol

    Molar mass of H = 1.01 g/mol

    Molar mass of O = 16.00 g/mol

    Step 2: Calculate moles

    Moles = mass / molar mass

    Moles C = 34.63 grams / 12.01 g/mol

    Moles C = 2.883 moles

    Moles H = 3.87 grams / 1.01 g/mol

    Moles H = 3.83 moles

    Moles O = 61.50 grams / 16.00 g/mol

    Moles O = 3.844 moles

    Step 3: Calculate mol ratio

    We divide by the smallest amount of moles

    C: 2.883 / 2.883 = 1

    H: 3.83 / 2.883 = 1.33

    O: 3.844 / 2.883 = 1.33

    The empirical formula is C3H4O4
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