The emperical formula of Acetic acid is

Options

A. `CH_(3)-COOH`
B. `C_(2)H_(4)O`
C. `CH_(2)O`
D. `CHO`

Answer

To determine the empirical formula of acetic acid, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Molecular Formula of Acetic Acid
Acetic acid is a simple organic compound with the molecular formula \( C_2H_4O_2 \). This can be derived from its structural formula, which consists of two carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms.

### Step 2: Determine the Ratio of Atoms
To find the empirical formula, we need to find the simplest whole number ratio of the elements in the molecular formula. The molecular formula \( C_2H_4O_2 \) contains:
- Carbon (C): 2
- Hydrogen (H): 4
- Oxygen (O): 2

### Step 3: Divide by the Greatest Common Factor
Next, we divide the number of each type of atom by the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numbers of atoms. Here, the GCF of 2, 4, and 2 is 2.

- For Carbon: \( \frac{2}{2} = 1 \)
- For Hydrogen: \( \frac{4}{2} = 2 \)
- For Oxygen: \( \frac{2}{2} = 1 \)

### Step 4: Write the Empirical Formula
Now, we can write the empirical formula using the simplest whole number ratios we found:
- C: 1
- H: 2
- O: 1

Thus, the empirical formula of acetic acid is \( CH_2O \).

### Final Answer
The empirical formula of acetic acid is \( CH_2O \).

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