If `v mL` of a gaseous hydrocarbon, after explosion with excess of oxygen, showed a contraction of `2.5 v mL ` and a further contraction of `2v mL` with caustic potash, Find the formula of hydrocarbon.

Answer

`C_(2)H_(6)`

Explanation

`C_(x)H_(y)+(x+(y)/(4))O_(2)rarrxCO_(2)+(y)/(2)H_(2)O`
`v`" " "excess"`
`(x+(y)/(4))v" "xv" "(y)/(2)v`
`+v-(x+(y)/(4))v+xv+(y)/(2)v=2.5v`
`(y)/(4) = 1.5 " "y=6`
`xv=2v " "x=2 " "C_(2)H_(6)`