A gaseous compounds having carbon, hydrogen and oxygen was burnt in the presence of oxygen. After combustion, 1 volume of the gaseous compound produces 2 volumes of CO ₂ and 2 volumes of steam. Determines the molecular formula of the compound, it all the volumes were measured under the same conditions of pressure and temperature.

Step-by-step solution

Suppose the chemical formula of the compound be C _x H _y O _z chemical reaction related to combustion of the compound. Since, 2 molecules of CO ₂ have 2 atoms of carbon and these carbon must have come from the compound. Hence, the value of x is 2 . Again, 2 molecules of steam contain 4 atoms of hydrogen and they have come from the compound. Hence, the value of y will be 4. Again, total oxygen atoms in the product side =6 But 4 oxygen atoms must have come from the oxygen molecules. Hence 2 oxygen atoms definitely c