Final answer:
The empirical formula for the compound formed by b) Zn(2⁺) and SO₄(2⁻) is ZnSO₄, and the empirical formula for c) Fe(3⁺) and CO₃(2⁻) is Fe₂(CO₃)₃.
Step-by-step explanation:
The empirical formula represents the simplest ratio of elements in a compound. To determine the empirical formula, we need to determine the ratio of cations (positively charged ions) to anions (negatively charged ions) in the compound.
b) Zn(2+) and SO₄(2-): In this case, the cation is Zn(2+) and the anion is SO₄(2-). The cation has a charge of 2+ and the anion has a charge of 2-. To balance the charges, we need two Zn(2+) ions for every one SO₄(2-) ion. Therefore, the empirical formula for the compound is ZnSO₄.
c) Fe(3+) and CO₃(2-): In this case, the cation is Fe(3+) and the anion is CO₃(2-). The cation has a charge of 3+ and the anion has a charge of 2-. To balance the charges, we need two Fe(3+) ions for every three CO₃(2-) ions. Therefore, the empirical formula for the compound is Fe₂(CO₃)₃.