Question

Which of the following can be classified as an empirical formula?Why?

Answer 1

Answer:

• Option C. Na₂SO₃

Explanation:

Empirical formula is the simplest formula that establish the ratio of the number of atoms of each element in the formula.

This means that the empirical formula shows the least whole numbers that state the mole ratio among the elements of the compound.

Now, let's see each case:

A. S₂Cl₂

This is not an empirical formula because:

• It shows a ratio of 2 S atoms  : 2 Cl atoms

• The ratio 2: 2, can be simplified to 1 : 1 by dividing by 2.

• Hence, the formula showing the simplest whole number ratio is SCl and not S₂Cl₂.

B. C₆H₁₀O₄

This is not an empirical formula because:

• It shows a ratio of 6 C atoms, 10 H atoms : 4 O atoms

• The ratio 6 : 10 : 4, dividing by 2, can be simplified to 3 : 5 : 2

• Hence, the formula showing the simplest whole number ratio is C₃H₅O₄ and not C₆H₁₀O₄

C. Na₂SO₃

This can be classified as an empirical formula because:

• It shows a ratio of 2 Na atoms : 1 S atom : 3 O atoms

• The ratio 2 : 1 : 3, cannot be further simplified using whole numbrers.

• Hence, the formula Na₂SO₃ is an empirical formula.