A freshly prepared compound contains potassium, hydrogen, phosphorus, and oxygen. The composition of the compound is: potassium, 44.895%; hydrogen, 0.5787%; phosphorus, 17.783%. Determine the empirical formula of the compound. Hint: Assume you have 100 grams of this substance and use moles to relate the mass of one element to another.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The empirical formula of the compound is K2HPO4. This can be determined by assuming you have 100 grams of this substance and using moles to relate the mass of one element to another. The molar mass of the compound is 136.09 g/mol. The empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio of the elements in the compound. In this case, the empirical formula is K2HPO4.

A Freshly Prepared Compound Contains Potassium, Hydrogen, Phosphorus, and Oxygen