I was asked yesterday to remind how to do empirical formula questions. Here is an example and how to work it out.
Q.
Calculate the enpirical formula of a compound containing 38.70% Carbon, 9.67% Hydrogen and 51.60% oxygen.
A.
Step 1: Divide each percentage by the atomic mass (Mr) of each atom:
C = 38.70/12 = 3.225 H= 9.67/1 = 9.67 O = 51.60/16 = 3.225
STEP 2: Divide by the lowest number (in this case 3.225):
C= 3.225/3.225 = 1 H= 9.67/3.225 = 3 O= 3.225/3.225 = 1
STEP 3: Write out empirical fomula - in this case CH3O
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