What is The Empirical Formula For C2H6

The empirical formula of a compound represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements in the compound. For C₂H₆ (ethane), follow these steps:

1. Write the molecular formula: The molecular formula of ethane is C₂H₆, meaning it contains:
   • 2 carbon (C) atoms
   • 6 hydrogen (H) atoms.
2. Simplify the ratio:
   • Divide the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
     The GCD of 2 and 6 is 2.
     Simplify:
   • Carbon: 2/2=1
   • Hydrogen: 6/2=3
3. Resulting empirical formula: The simplest ratio of C to H is 1:3, so the empirical formula is CH₃.

Thus:

The empirical formula for C₂H₆ is CH₃. This shows the basic ratio of carbon to hydrogen atoms in the compound.