Gadolinium oxide, a colorless powder which absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, contains 86.76 mass % Gd. Determine its empirical formula. A)Gd ₂O ₃ B)Gd ₃O ₂ C)Gd ₃O ₄ D)Gd ₄O ₃ E)GdO

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula is determined by the ratio of moles of Gd to O. Given 86.76% Gd, the remaining 13.24% is O. Calculating moles, the ratio is approximately 2:3, corresponding to Gd₂O₃.

Gadolinium Oxide, a Colorless Powder Which Absorbs Carbon Dioxide from the Air