Polymers are large molecules composed of simple units repeated many times. Thus, they often have relatively simple empirical formulas. Calculate the empirical formulas of the polyethylene: 86% C, 14% H. You must show all work for credit. Polymers are large molecules composed of simple units repeated many times. Thus, they often have relatively simple empirical formulas. Calculate the empirical formulas of the polystyrene: 92.3% C, 7.7% H. You must show all work for credit.

A. CH2.

B. CH.

Explanation:

A. Determination of the empirical formula of polyethylene.

Data obtained from the question include:

Carbon (C) = 86%

Hydrogen (H) = 14%

The empirical formula of the polyethylene can be obtained as follow:

C = 86%

H = 14%

Divide by their molar mass

C = 86/12 = 7.17

H = 14/1 = 14

Divide by the smallest

C = 7.17/7.17 = 1

H = 14/7.17 = 2

Therefore, the empirical formula of the polyethylene is CH2.

B. Determination of the empirical formula of polystyrene

Data obtained from the question include:

Carbon (C) = 92.3%

Hydrogen (H) = 7.7%

The empirical formula of the polystyrene can be obtained as follow:

C = 92.3%

H = 7.7%

Divide by their molar mass

C = 92.3/12 = 7.69

H = 7.7/1 = 7.7

Divide by the smallest

C = 7.69/7.69 = 1

H = 7.7/7.69 =

Therefore, the empirical formula of the polystyrene is CH.