Question

A compound is found to be 3 percent hydrogen, 32 percent phosphorus, and 65 percent oxygen. What is the empirical formula of this compound?

HPO

HPO4

H(PO4)3

H3PO4

Answer 1

Empirical formula is H₃PO₄

Step-by-step explanation:

Given data:

Percentage of hydrogen = 3%

Percentage of P = 32%

Percentage of oxygen = 65%

Empirical formula = ?

Solution:

Number of gram atoms of H = 3 / 1= 3

Number of gram atoms of O = 65 / 16 = 4.06

Number of gram atoms of P = 32 / 31 = 1.03

Atomic ratio:

H : P : O

3/1.03 : 1.03/1.03 : 4.06/1.03

3 : 1 : 4

H : P : O = 3 : 1 : 4

Empirical formula is H₃PO₄.