Question

What would be the empirical formula of ethane?

Answer 1

Hint: Before answering this question, we should know about the empirical formula. The simplest whole-number ratio of the atoms of each element is the empirical formula. We can calculate it with this expression:
$Empirical\,formula=\dfrac{Molecular\,formula}{n}$, where n is the integer.

Complete answer:
The simplest ratios of the atom in a compound are empirical formulas. The molecular formula of ethane is ${{C}_{2}}{{H}_{6}}$. As the number of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms in this formula is divisible by 2, we will make it the lowest ratio to find its empirical formula which here is $C{{H}_{3}}$.
Ethane is a colorless and odorless gas. It can be ignited easily. The vapors of ethane are considered to be heavier than air. The displacement of air can asphyxiate it. The container may burst violently if it is prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat. It can freeze if it comes in contact with liquid. Ethane boils at 88.6$^{\circ }C$. Superheat explosions can happen if the water is really hot. If liquid gas comes in contact with water in a closed container, the pressure may increase to a level that could be dangerous.

Note:
The empirical formula and molecular formula are two different terms. One should not get confused about it. The empirical formula tells about the relative abundance of the atoms in a compound whereas the molecular formula tells us about the actual number of atoms in a compound.