Question

A compound containing nitrogen and oxygen is decomposed in the laboratory. It produces 24.5 g nitrogen and 70.0 g oxygen. Calculate the empirical formula of the compound.

Answer 1

Answer: N2O5

Question: You decompose a compound containing nitrogen and oxygen in the laboratory and produce 24.5 g of nitrogen and 70.0 g of oxygen. Calculate the empirical formula of the compound.

Answer 2

N2O5

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Convert to moles

24.5g N * 1mol/14g = 1.75

70.0g * 1mol/16g = 4.375

2. Divide each value by the smallest

1.75/1.75 = 1

4.375/1.75 = 2.5

3. Multiply each by a whole number so that they are both whole numbers

1*2 = 2

2.5*2 = 5

4. These are moles of elements present in the compound