Question

A compound is found to contain 43.66% of P and 56.33% of O.

Answer 1

Answer: P2O5 is the empirical formula.

Explanation: When given percentages you can assume that many grams of each atom are in the compound. Then you divide grams by the molar mass of each element, giving you moles. Once you have moles, divide by the smaller molar amount, which should give you 1 mol of Phosphorus and 2.5 mol of Oxygen. Then multiply by 2 in order for both moles to be a whole number. This gets you 2 and 5.