Question

A compound is found to contain 38.65 % carbon, 16.25 % hydrogen, and 45.09 % nitrogen by mass. what is the empirical formula for this compound?

Answer 1

The molar mass of carbon is 12, hydrogen is 1, and nitrogen is 14, hence the ratio are:

 

C = 38.65 / 12 = 3.22

H = 16.25 / 1 = 16.25

N = 45.09 / 14 = 3.22

 

Divide the three by the lowest ratio which is 3.22:

 

C = 3.22 / 3.22 = 1

H = 16.25 / 3.22 = 5

N = 3.22 / 3.22 = 1

 

So the empirical formula is:

CHN