Final answer:
The empirical formula of silicon sulfide is SiS2, which was determined by calculating the moles of silicon and sulfur and expressing them in the simplest whole number ratio of 1:2, based on the mass of silicon and silicon sulfide provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the empirical formula of silicon sulfide based on the given data, we need to calculate the moles of silicon and sulfur in the compound, then express them in the simplest whole number ratio.
Silicon has a molar mass of approximately 28.09 g/mol, and sulfur has a molar mass of approximately 32.07 g/mol.
Step 1: Calculate the moles of silicon:
Moles of Si = 0.0923 g / 28.09 g/mol = 0.00328 mol
Step 2: Since the total mass of silicon sulfide is 0.3030 g, the mass of sulfur in the compound is 0.3030 g - 0.0923 g = 0.2107 g.
Step 3: Calculate the moles of sulfur:
Moles of S = 0.2107 g / 32.07 g/mol = 0.00657 mol
Step 4: Determine the simplest whole number ratio: Divide the moles of each element by the smallest number of moles calculated above.
Ratio of Si to S = 0.00328 mol / 0.00328 mol : 0.00657 mol / 0.00328 mol = 1 : 2
Step 5: Write the empirical formula using this ratio: The simplest whole number ratio is 1:2, so for every one silicon atom there are two sulfur atoms, leading to the formula SiS2.