73.3k views
2 votes
A molecular compound has the empirical formula XY2. Which of the following is a

possible molecular formula?
A.X2Y8
B.ХЗҮЗ
C.X2Y4
D.ХЗҮ9

User Wakeupneo
by
3.0k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer: C.X2Y4

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that :

Compound has the empirical formula :

Empirical formula : CY2

The empirical formula expresses in Lowest term the whole ratio of the compound.

.

Empirical. Formula is usually written as :

XnYn+1

For instance, the ratio of the compound is :

n : n+1

Therefore, in the question:

XY2

Ratio :

X = 1 ; Y = 2 ; 1 /2 ;hence, the possible molecular number :

The possible moleculars are those whose XY mole ratio is 1 : 2

Comparing the ratios :

X2Y8 = 2/8 = 1 :4

ХЗҮЗ = 3/3 = 1 : 1

X2Y4 = 2 /4 = 1: 2

ХЗҮ9 = 3/9 = 1 :3

Hence, the only possible molecular formula is X2Y4

User Combinatorial
by
3.1k points