Question

Predict the empirical formula of the ionic compound that forms from aluminum and oxygen.

Answer 1

Answer:

A.   AlO

Explanation:

The empirical formula of a compound is the simplest possible formula giving the ratio of atoms in a molecule of the compound.

We know that Aluminium forms $Al^{3+}$ and oxygen forms $O^{2+}$.

As such the formation of the ionic compound between a metal and non-metal results into $Al_2O_3$.

The empirical formula is as follows:

 Element                       Aluminium           Oxygen

% composition

by mass                              26.98                    16.0

mole ratio                           26.98/26               16/16

                                    =  1.04                              = 1

divided by the

smallest number            1.04/1                             1/1

                                        1.04                             1

The empirical formula is AlO