Question

A compound containing only sulfur and nitrogen is 69.6% S by mass; the molar mass is 184 g/mol. What are the empirical and molecular formulas of the compound?

Answer 1

Answer:

Empirical formula = NS

Molecular formula = N₄S₄

Explanation:

Since, the compound only contain nitrogen and sulfur,

Thus ,

Name of the element                 %                        moles            Simplest ratio

              S                                 69.6                69.6/32 = 2.17             1

              N                       100 - 69.6 = 30.4      30.4/14 = 2.17             1

Hence, the empirical formula = NS

The molar mass of the compound : 184 g/mol

So,

x ( 32 +14 ) = 184

x = 4

So, Molecular formula = N₄S₄