A chromium oxide compound contains 104.0 grams of chromium and 48.0 grams of oxygen.What is the most likely empirical formula of this compound?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The molar mass of chromium is approximately 52 g/mol and oxygen is 16 g/mol. The moles of chromium are 104.0 g / 52 g/mol = 2 moles, and the moles of oxygen are 48.0 g / 16 g/mol = 3 moles. The simplest whole number ratio of chromium to oxygen is 2:3, leading to the empirical formula Cr₂O₃.

A Chromium Oxide Compound Contains 104