A compound is found to have the following percent composition by mass: 38.7% K,13.8% N,47.5% O.What is the empirical formula of the compound?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the empirical formula, convert the percent composition to moles by dividing by the atomic mass of each element: K (38.7%/39.1 = 0.99 moles), N (13.8%/14.0 = 0.99 moles), O (47.5%/16.0 = 2.97 moles). The ratio of K:N:O is approximately 1:1:3, making the empirical formula KNO₃.

A Compound Is Found to Have the Following Percent Composition