Answer:
CuNO3
Explanation:
In order to calculate the empirical formula in this question;
Cu = 50.61% = 50.61g
N = 11.16% = 11.16g
O = 38.23% = 38.23g
Next, we convert each gram unit to moles by dividing by their respective molar mass (Where; Cu = 63.55, N = 14, O = 16)
Cu = 50.61 ÷ 63.55 = 0.796mol
N = 11.16 ÷ 14 = 0.797mol
O = 38.23 ÷ 16 = 2.389mol
Next, we divide each mole value by the smallest (0.796)
Cu = 0.796mol ÷ 0.796 = 1
N = 0.797mol ÷ 0.796 = 1.001
O = 2.389mol ÷ 0.796 = 3.001
Approximately, the simple whole number ratio between Cu, N and O is 1:1:3, hence, the empirical formula is CuNO3.
