Question

A compound is found to contain 42.88 % carbon and 57.12 % oxygen by weight. To answer the questions, enter the elements in the order presented above. 1. What is the empirical formula for this compound

Answer 1

Answer:

The empirical formule is CO

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

Suppose the mass of a compound is 100 grams

Suppose the compound contains:

42.88 % C = 42.88 grams C

57.12 % O = 57.12 grams O

Molar mass C = 12.01 g/mol

Molar mass O = 16.0 g/mol

Step 2: Calculate moles

Moles = mass / molar mass

Moles C = mass C / molar mass C

Moles C = 42.88 grams / 12.01 g/mol

Moles C = 3.57 moles

Moles O = 57.12 grams / 16.0 g/mol

Moles O = 3.57 moles

Step 3: Calculate the mol ratio

We divide by the smallest amount of moles

C: 3.57 moles / 3.57 moles = 1

O: 3.57 moles / 3.57 moles = 1

The empirical formule is CO