1. Calculate the empirical formula mass:
* Carbon (C): 2 atoms * 12.01 g/mol = 24.02 g/mol
* Hydrogen (H): 5 atoms * 1.01 g/mol = 5.05 g/mol
* Total empirical formula mass: 24.02 + 5.05 = 29.07 g/mol
2. Determine the ratio between the molecular mass and empirical formula mass:
* Molecular mass / Empirical formula mass = 58 g/mol / 29.07 g/mol ≈ 2
3. Multiply the subscripts in the empirical formula by the ratio:
* C₂H₅ * 2 = C₄H₁₀
Therefore, the molecular formula of the substance is C₄H₁₀.