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A compound contains 46.7% nitrogen and 53.3% oxygen by mass. What is the empirical formula of the compound?

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The empirical formula of a compound that contain 46.7 % nitrogen and 53.3% oxygen is calculated as below

find the moles of each element
that is , mole =% composition/molar mass
nitrogen (N)=46.7 / 14=3.33 moles

oxygen (O)=53.3 / 16 = 3.33 moles

divide each mole with the smallest number of mole to get the mole ratio that is 3.33 moles


nitrogen (N) = 3.33/3.33 = 1
oxygen(O) = 3.33/3.33 =1

therefore the empirical formula = NO

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