Final answer:
The empirical formula of a compound is the simplest, whole-number ratio of the elements present in that compound. In this case, if a sample contains 0.130 g of nitrogen and 0.370 g of oxygen, the empirical formula is NO2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The empirical formula of a compound is the simplest, whole-number ratio of the elements present in that compound. To determine the empirical formula, we need to know the mass or percentage composition of the elements in the compound. In this case, if a sample contains 0.130 g of nitrogen and 0.370 g of oxygen, we can calculate the moles of each element by dividing the mass by the molar mass.
The molar ratio between nitrogen and oxygen is approximately 1:2. Therefore, the empirical formula of the compound is NO2. To find the empirical formula of a compound when given the mass of its constituents, one should first convert these masses into moles. In the question, a compound contains 0.130 g of nitrogen and 0.370 g of oxygen. Using the molecular weights (Nitrogen: 14.01 g/mol, Oxygen: 16.00 g/mol).