A compound was isolated and found to contain 72.2% magnesium and the rest nitrogen.What is the empirical formula of this compound?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The percentage of nitrogen is 100% - 72.2% = 27.8%. The molar mass of Mg is 24.31 g/mol and N is 14.01 g/mol. The moles of Mg are 72.2 g / 24.31 g/mol = 2.97 mol, and the moles of N are 27.8 g / 14.01 g/mol = 1.98 mol. The ratio of Mg to N is approximately 3:2, giving the empirical formula Mg₃N₂.

A Compound Was Isolated and Found to Contain 72