Smallest set is obtained if greatest common factor is 1 QUESTION: What is the sum of the subscripts in the empirical formula of C6H12? A. 1, B. 2, C. 3, D. 18 Subscripts in the empirical formula = smallest set of whole numbers that reflect the relative abundance of the atoms of different elements in a compound. Smallest set is obtained if greatest common factor is 1 C-to-H ratio in C6H12 is 6:12, or 1:2 Therefore, empirical formula is CH2. Sum of coefficient in empirical formula: 1 + 2 = 3 What is the sum of the subscripts in the empirical formula of C6H12? A. 1, B. 2, C. 3, D. 18 PAUSE CLICK Empirical formula refers to a formula where the subcripts are the smallest possible whole numbers that reflect the relative abundance of the atoms of different elements in a compound. We get the smallest of whole numbers if the greatest common factor of the numbers is 1. In the case of C6H12, the carbon-to-hydrogen ratio is “six is to twelve” We can reduce this ratio to smaller whole numbers. “Six is to twelve” is equivalent to “one is to two” Therefore, empirical formula is CH2. In the empirical formula, the coefficient of carbon is 1, CALLOUT “implied 1” and the coefficent of hydrogen is 2. So, the sum of coefficient in empirical formula is 3. 1 + 2 = 3 CLICK PAUSE END RECORDING
Video ID: 4-7-2 © 2008, Project VALUE (Video Assessment Library for Undergraduate Education), Department of Physical Sciences Nicholls State University Author: Glenn V. Lo Narrator: Funded by Louisiana Board of Regents Contract No. LA-DL-SELECT-13-07/08