Question

A percent composition analysis yields

Answer 1

Answer:

PCl₃

Explanation:

To determine the empirical formula of a compound, we need to follow a series of steps.

Step 1: Divide each percent composition by the atomic mass of the element

P: 22.6/30.97 = 0.729

Cl: 77.4/35.45 = 2.18

Step 2: Divide all the numbers by the smallest one, i.e. 0.729

P: 0.729/0.729 = 1

Cl: 2.18/0.729 ≈ 3

The empirical formula of the compound is PCl₃.