Question

question 3
which of these is an empirical formula?
p₂o₅
p₄o₆
c₄h₁₀
c₂h₄

Explanation:

An empirical formula shows the simplest whole - number ratio of atoms in a compound.

• For \(P_2O_5\), the ratio of \(P:O = 2:5\), and 2 and 5 have no common factor other than 1.
• For \(P_4O_6\), the ratio of \(P:O=4:6 = 2:3\) (simplified), so \(P_4O_6\) is not an empirical formula.
• For \(C_4H_{10}\), the ratio of \(C:H = 4:10=2:5\) (simplified), so \(C_4H_{10}\) is not an empirical formula.
• For \(C_2H_4\), the ratio of \(C:H = 2:4 = 1:2\) (simplified), so \(C_2H_4\) is not an empirical formula.

Answer:

\(P_2O_5\)