JAMB Chemistry 2023 Paper

To determine the empirical formula, we first need to convert the percentages to moles by assuming a convenient mass for the sample. Let's assume we have 100 grams of the compound.

Mass of carbon = 40.00 grams
Mass of hydrogen = 6.67 grams
Mass of oxygen = 53.33 grams

Now, we calculate the moles of each element:
Moles of carbon = 40.00 g / molar mass of carbon = 40.00 g / 12.01 g/mol ≈ 3.33 mol
Moles of hydrogen = 6.67 g / molar mass of hydrogen = 6.67 g / 1.01 g/mol ≈ 6.60 mol
Moles of oxygen = 53.33 g / molar mass of oxygen = 53.33 g / 16.00 g/mol ≈ 3.33 mol

Now, we find the smallest whole-number ratio of the moles:
C ≈ 3.33 / 3.33 ≈ 1
H ≈ 6.60 / 3.33 ≈ 2
O ≈ 3.33 / 3.33 ≈ 1

Thus, the empirical formula is CH2O.