A gaseous hydrocarbon needs 6 times more volume of oxygen `(O_(2))` than itself for complete oxidation. It produces 4 times more `CO_(2)` (by volume) than it's own. What is the formula of the hydrocarbon?

Explanation

Equation of combustion:
`C_(x)H_(y)+(x+(y)/(4)) O_(2) to xCO_(2)+(y)/(2) H_(2)O`
1 volume of hydrocarbon reacts with `(x+(y)/(4))` volumes of oxygen to produce 2x volumes of `CO_(2)`..
Now, `x+(y)/(2)=6 or, 4x+y=24`
Given, x=4 Therefore, y=8
`therefore`The formula of the hydrocarbon is `C_(4)H_(8)`