Apply the scaling factor to the empirical formula.

The scale factor is 5 and the empirical formula is [tex]\( CH_2O \)[/tex]. What is the molecular formula?

[tex]\( C_{?}H_{?}O_{?} \)[/tex]



Answer :

Sure! Let's find the molecular formula step by step.

1. Identify the empirical formula and the scale factor:
- Empirical formula: [tex]\( \text{CH}_2\text{O} \)[/tex]
- Scale factor: 5

2. Extract the subscript (number of atoms) for each element in the empirical formula:
- Carbon (C): 1
- Hydrogen (H): 2
- Oxygen (O): 1

3. Apply the scaling factor to each element:
- For Carbon (C): [tex]\( 1 \times 5 = 5 \)[/tex]
- For Hydrogen (H): [tex]\( 2 \times 5 = 10 \)[/tex]
- For Oxygen (O): [tex]\( 1 \times 5 = 5 \)[/tex]

4. Write the molecular formula with the new subscripts:
- Molecular formula: [tex]\( \text{C}_5\text{H}_{10}\text{O}_5 \)[/tex]

So, the molecular formula is [tex]\( \text{C}_5\text{H}_{10}\text{O}_5 \)[/tex].