A certain compound is found to contain 1.45 g Na, 2.05 g S and 1.5 g O. Its empirical formula is ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the empirical formula, convert the mass of each element to moles: Na: 1.45 g / 23 g/mol = 0.063 mol, S: 2.05 g / 32 g/mol = 0.064 mol, O: 1.5 g / 16 g/mol = 0.094 mol. Divide each by the smallest number of moles (0.063 mol) to get the ratio: Na: 1, S: 1, O: 1.5. Multiply by 2 to get whole numbers: Na: 2, S: 2, O: 3. Thus, the empirical formula is Na₂S₂O₃.

A Certain Compound Is Found to Contain 1