Answer:
[tex][/tex] To determine the empirical formula of the chemical found at the crime scene, we first need to find the molar mass of each element (C, H, O) present in the compound.
1. Calculate the number of moles of each element present:
- The percentage composition given can be interpreted as grams. Therefore, assume a 100g sample.
- C: 52.11g C, H: 13.14g H, O: 34.75g O
2. Now, find the number of moles of each element using their molar masses:
- Molar mass of C = 12.01 g/mol
- Molar mass of H = 1.008 g/mol
- Molar mass of O = 16.00 g/mol
Moles of C = [tex] \frac{52.11g}{12.01g/mol}[/tex]) g/mol ≈ 4.34 moles C
Moles of H = [tex] \frac{13.14g}{1.008g/mol}[/tex] g/mol ≈ 13.04 moles H
Moles of O = [tex] \frac{34.75g}{16.00g/mol}[/tex] g/mol ≈ 2.17 moles O
3. Find the simplest whole-number ratio:
Divide each moles value by the smallest number of moles (2.17):
C ≈ [tex] \frac{4.34}{2.17}[/tex] ≈ 2
H ≈ [tex] \frac{13.04}{2.17}[/tex] ≈ 6
O ≈ [tex] \frac{2.17}{2.17}[/tex] ≈ 1
The empirical formula of the compound found at the crime scene is C2H6O, which corresponds to the molecular formula of ethanol.
As for the art thief who stole The Moaning Lisa from the Haunted Museum, it is a mystery that would require further investigation. Perhaps Detective Sherlock Holmes or Inspector Hercule Poirot could assist in solving the case!