The empirical formula for a compound that contains 48.6%C, 8.2% H, and 43.2% S by mass is [tex]C_3H_6S[/tex].
An empirical formula tells us the relative ratios of different atoms in a compound.
We need to calculate the number of moles
Number of a mole of carbon =
48.6 g X ([tex]\frac{1 mole }{ 12.0107 g}[/tex]) =4.05 mole
Number of a mole of hydrogen =
8.2g X ([tex]\frac{1 mole}{.00784g}[/tex]) =8.14 mole
Number of moles of sulphur =
43.2g X ([tex]\frac{ mole}{32.065g}[/tex]) = 1.35 mole
Dividing each mole using the smallest number that is divided by 1.35 moles.
Carbon= [tex]\frac{4.05 mole }{1.35 mole}[/tex] =3
Oxygen= [tex]\frac{8.14 mole}{1.35 mole}[/tex] =6
Sulfur= [tex]\frac{1.35 mole}{1.35 mole}[/tex] =1
Empirical formula is [tex]C_3H_6S[/tex]
Learn more about empirical formula here:
https://brainly.com/question/14044066
#SPJ1