JAMB Chemistry 2023 Paper

Concept:The empirical formula shows the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound.Explanation:Assume a $100$ g sample of the compound.Mass of carbon $= 40.00$ g.Mass of hydrogen $= 6.67$ g.Mass of oxygen $= 53.33$ g.Calculate moles of each element:Moles of C $= \frac{40.00}{12} \approx 3.33$ mol.Moles of H $= \frac{6.67}{1} \approx 6.67$ mol.Moles of O $= \frac{53.33}{16} \approx 3.33$ mol.Divide each mole value by the smallest, $3.33$:C: $\frac{3.33}{3.33} = 1$H: $\frac{6.67}{3.33} \approx 2$O: $\frac{3.33}{3.33} = 1$So the simplest ratio is $1:2:1$.Answer:Empirical formula is $\mathrm{CH_2O}$.Correct option: B.