Answer
Step-by-step explanation
Given:
% composition: 46.2% Mg, 7.69% H, 46.2% O
What to find:
The empirical formula for the compound.
Solution:
Step 1: converting the percent composition to grams by using a
100 g sample of the compound.
46.2% Mg ---> (42.2/100) x 100 = 42.2 g
7.69% H ----> (7.69/100) x 100 = 7.69 g
46.2% O -----> (46.2/100) x 100 = 46.2 g
Step 2: Use the molar masses of the two elements to convert the masses to moles.
From the periodic table, the molar masses of (Mg =