How to find molecular formula if molar mass of CH2O is 870 g/mol?

Question

jfraser · Answer

$CH_2O$ is an EMPIRICAL formula, the lowest possible whole number ratio. The molecular formula will have the same ratio, but with more pieces of each atom. The empirical formula has a mass: the empirical mass:$$(12g + 2(1g) + 16g) = 40g$$the actual formula has a mass of 840g. What should you multiple the empirical mass by to get the actual mass?

anonymous · Answer

it is 30g=40g... :|
So confusing

jfraser · Answer

sorry, 30g.

anonymous · Answer

multiply 28..?

jfraser · Answer

ok, so the actual mass is 28 times larger than the empirical mass. the actual formula MUST HAVE the same multiple of pieces

take $CH_2O$ and multiply each piece by 28 and you'll have a compound with the same ratio, and a mass of 840g

anonymous · Answer

wait..
C28H56N28? :D

jfraser · Answer

does that have a mass of 840g and have the same ratio as $CH_2O$?

anonymous · Answer

Yes, i think so..