Question

question 16 (5 points) listen the chemical formula is different from the empirical formula in a) h₂o. b) co₂. c) co. d) h₂o₂.

Explanation:

To determine when the chemical formula (molecular formula) differs from the empirical formula, we check the ratio of atoms. The empirical formula shows the simplest whole - number ratio of atoms, while the molecular formula shows the actual number of each atom in a molecule.

• For option A ($\ce{H_2O}$): The ratio of H to O is 2:1, and this is also the simplest ratio. So the molecular formula is the same as the empirical formula.
• For option B ($\ce{CO_2}$): The ratio of C to O is 1:2, and this is the simplest ratio. So the molecular formula is the same as the empirical formula.
• For option C ($\ce{CO}$): The ratio of C to O is 1:1, and this is the simplest ratio. So the molecular formula is the same as the empirical formula.
• For option D ($\ce{H_2O_2}$): The ratio of H to O is 2:2, which can be simplified to 1:1 (empirical formula $\ce{HO}$). So the molecular formula ($\ce{H_2O_2}$) is different from the empirical formula ($\ce{HO}$).

Answer:

D) $\ce{H_2O_2}$