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Of the following, the one which can be computed from a knowledge of the percentage composition of a compound and atomic weights is the?

1) Molecular formula
2) Empirical formula
3) Structural formula
4) Chemical formula

User Chantey
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1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

The empirical formula can be computed from a knowledge of the percentage composition of a compound and atomic weights.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct option is the Empirical formula. The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound.

It can be determined by knowing the percentage composition of the compound and the atomic weights of the elements involved, using molar masses to convert the mass of each element to a number of moles, and then calculating the whole-number ratios of the elements.

The empirical formula can then be used to calculate the molecular formula if the molar mass of the compound is known.

User Josh Kitchens
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