Question

What will be the effect on the empirical formula of zinc chloride obtained if you weighed 0.50 g of zinc chloride salt instead of 0.32 g required for the experiment? Explain your answer.

Option 1: The empirical formula will remain the same.
Option 2: The empirical formula will change, but it will still be ZnCl2.
Option 3: The empirical formula will change, and it will be a different compound altogether.
Option 4: The effect on the empirical formula cannot be determined based on the given information.

Answer 1

The empirical formula of zinc chloride will remain the same regardless of whether you weigh 0.50 g or 0.32 g, as the ratio of atoms does not change.

Step-by-step explanation:

The weighing of a different amount of zinc chloride than required for an experiment does not affect the empirical formula of the compound. This formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of elements in the compound. Whether you have 0.50 g or 0.32 g of zinc chloride, the ratio of zinc atoms to chlorine atoms does not change. Therefore, the empirical formula will remain the same as long as the sample is pure zinc chloride. Although the empirical formula remains unchanged, the amount used may affect other parameters of the experiment, such as the yield of a reaction, if applicable.