Determine the empirical formula of a compound containing 60.3% magnesium and 39.7% oxygen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the empirical formula, we need to convert the percentages to moles. Assuming a 100 g sample, we have:
- 60.3 g Mg * (1 mol Mg/24.31 g Mg) = 2.48 mol Mg
- 39.7 g O * (1 mol O/16.00 g O) = 2.48 mol O

Then, we divide by the smallest number of moles to get the simplest ratio:
Mg:O = 2.48 mol/2.48 mol = 1:1

Therefore, the empirical formula of the compound is MgO. Answer choice A is the correct answer.

Determine the Empirical Formula of a Compound Containing 60