assuming that each molecule contains one acidic hydrogen---that is, the formula is HCnHmOp?

assumin gthat each molecule contains 2 acidic hydrogens---that is, the formula is H2CnHmOp??

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Assuming that each molecule contains one acidic hydrogen (with the formula HCnHmOp) or two acidic hydrogens (with the formula H2CnHmOp), let's break down the steps to determine the values of n, m, and p.

Step 1: Count the number of carbon atoms (n).
- Look at the molecular formula and count the number of carbon atoms. Each carbon atom is represented by the symbol 'C'.
- For both formulas HCnHmOp and H2CnHmOp, the number of carbon atoms will be the value of 'n'.

Step 2: Count the number of hydrogen atoms (m).
- For the formula HCnHmOp, subtract one from the total number of atoms in the molecule to determine the number of hydrogen atoms ('m').
- For the formula H2CnHmOp, subtract two from the total number of atoms in the molecule to determine the number of hydrogen atoms ('m').

Step 3: Count the number of oxygen atoms (p).
- For both formulas HCnHmOp and H2CnHmOp, count the number of oxygen atoms ('p').
- Each oxygen atom is represented by the symbol 'O'.

Once you have determined the values of n, m, and p, you can substitute them in the respective formulas (HCnHmOp or H2CnHmOp) to complete the molecular formula.