Question

Determine the empirical formulas for compounds with the following percent composition:

15.8% carbon and 84.2 % sulfur

Answer 1

Element C S
% comp 15.8 84.2
Ar 12 32
no of mol 15.8/12=1.32 84.2/32=2.63
Atomic ratio 1.32/1.32=1 2.63/1.32=2
(divide by
smallest)

Therefore, empiral formula is CS2