Final answer:
After converting the given masses of potassium and chlorine to moles, and finding the simplest whole number mole ratio, we determine that the empirical formula of the compound is KCl.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the empirical formula of a compound with 26.35 g of potassium (K) and 23.65 g of chlorine (Cl), we need to convert these masses into moles. The molar mass of potassium is approximately 39.10 g/mol, and the molar mass of chlorine is approximately 35.45 g/mol. Dividing the given mass by the respective molar mass, we get:
- Potassium: 26.35 g / 39.10 g/mol = approximately 0.674 moles of K
- Chlorine: 23.65 g / 35.45 g/mol = approximately 0.667 moles of Cl
To find the simplest whole number ratio, we divide both values by the smallest number of moles:
- K: 0.674/0.667 = approximately 1
- Cl: 0.667/0.667 = approximately 1
The ratio of K to Cl is 1:1, therefore the empirical formula is KCl.