The empirical formula for the same, given that the sample contains 0.307 g Al, 0.569 g As and 0.486 g O is
Calculations of empirical formula
We can calculate the empirical formula for the sample by:
- Dividing each element present in the sample by their molar masses
- Dividing the result obtained in 1 above by the smallest value
Now, we shall apply the above rule in order to obtain the empirical formula for the sample. This is shown below:
- Al = 0.307 g
- As = 0.569 g
- O = 0.486 g
- Empirical formula for sample =?
1. Divide each by their molar mass
- Al = 0.307 / 27 = 0.0114
- As = 0.569 / 75 = 0.0076
- O = 0.486 / 16 = 0.0304
2. Divide by the smallest value
- Al = 0.0114 / 0.0076 = 1.5
- As = 0.0076 / 0.0076 = 1
- O = 0.0304 / 0.0076 = 4
3. Since there is a decimal number, multiply each by 2 each to express all in whole number.
- Al = 1.5 × 2 = 3
- As = 1 × 2 = 2
- O = 4 × 2 = 8
Therefore, the empirical formula is
Complete question:
A sample contains 0.307 g Al, 0.569 g As and 0.486 g O. What is the empirical formula for the sample?