Question

A certain blue solid contains 36.84% n and 63.16% o. what is the empirical formula of this compound?

Answer 1

Divide the percentages by the RAM and then divide by the smallest value, this will give a ratio of the elements in the compound. N =14, O=16
Nitrogen  : Oxygen
36.84/14 : 63.16/16 
    2.5     :    3.9 
Divide both values by the lowest, and try to find whole number ratios:
2.5/2.5 : 3.9/2.5
        1 :  1.5 
Since the ratio of oxygen to nitrogen is 1.5 : 1, we have to double it so that it become 3:2
The empirical formula would be N₂O₃