JAMB Chemistry Past Questions & Answers - Page 10

Ethanoic acid is commonly known as acetic acid. It is the main component of vinegar and is used in various industrial processes.

Chromatography is a separation technique used to separate and analyze components of a mixture based on their differential partitioning between a stationary phase (e.g., paper or a column) and a mobile phase (e.g., solvent). Different components move at different rates, leading to separation.

To determine the empirical formula, we first need to convert the percentages to moles by assuming a convenient mass for the sample. Let's assume we have 100 grams of the compound.

Mass of carbon = 40.00 grams
Mass of hydrogen = 6.67 grams
Mass of oxygen = 53.33 grams

Now, we calculate the moles of each element:
Moles of carbon = 40.00 g / molar mass of carbon = 40.00 g / 12.01 g/mol ≈ 3.33 mol
Moles of hydrogen = 6.67 g / molar mass of hydrogen = 6.67 g / 1.01 g/mol ≈ 6.60 mol
Moles of oxygen = 53.33 g / molar mass of oxygen = 53.33 g / 16.00 g/mol ≈ 3.33 mol

Now, we find the smallest whole-number ratio of the moles:
C ≈ 3.33 / 3.33 ≈ 1
H ≈ 6.60 / 3.33 ≈ 2
O ≈ 3.33 / 3.33 ≈ 1

Thus, the empirical formula is CH2O.

The main source of carbon monoxide (CO) in urban areas is vehicle emissions, especially from incomplete combustion of gasoline and diesel in engines.

Crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons of various chain lengths. methane is one of the primary constituents of crude oil, and it belongs to the group of alkanes.