Question

Sulfur oxides combine with water in the atmosphere to produce acid rain. what is the empirical formula of a sulfur compound that is 40% sulfur and 60% oxygen?

Answer 1

D) SO3

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct empirical formula for this sulfur oxide is SO3. To determine this, assume 100g of the compound. This gives 40g of S and 60g of O. Next, divide each of these masses by the molar mass of each. 40/32=1.25mol of S and 60/16 = 3.75 mol of O. Finally, keep this ratio and reduce by dividing by the lower number. 3.75/1.25 = 3. Sulfur and oxygen combine in a 1:3 ratio.

Answer 2

SO3 is the empirical compound