An organic compound containing C, H and N gave the following on analysis: C = 40%, H = 13.3% and N = 46.67%. Its empirical formula would be [CBSE PMT 1999, 2002]
Calculation of empirical formula
| Element | Symbol | Percentage of element | At. mass of elements | Relative number of atoms = | Simplest atomic ratio | Simplest whole number atomic ratio |
| Carbon | C | 40 | 12 | 1 | ||
| Hydrogen | H | 13.3 | 1 | 4 | ||
| Nitrogen | N | 46.67 | 14 | 1 |
Thus, the empirical formula is CH4N.