Question

Determine the empirical formula for a compound that is 36.86% n and 63.14% o by mass. determine the empirical formula for a compound that is 36.86% n and 63.14% o by mass. no

Answer 1

Mass of nitrogen = 14.0067
Mass of oxygen = 15.9994
In this compound nitrogen = 36.86 / 14.0067 = 2.63 
And oxygen = 63.14 / 15.9994 = 3.95 
now we have: N----- 2.63 and O----3.95 
by dividing both with the smallest number we get
N-------2.63/2.63 = 1
O-------3.95/2.63 = 1.5
To get whole numbers we multiply both by 2
N= 1 x 2 = 2 And O = 1.5 x 2= 3
So, the empirical formula is N₂O₃.