Question

B. Calculate the empirical formula of a formula unit with the following percent compositions: 59.7%

lithium (Li) and 40.3% nitrogen (N). Complete the table to help with the calculations. (5 points)

Answer 1

Given

Li - 59.7 %

N - 40.3 %

Solution,

First get the molar mass of each Atom,

Li- 6.941

N- 14.00

Second find the moles of both atom,

moles of Li = 59.7/6.941 = 8.60

Moles of N = 40.3/14 = 2.87

Third devide both the moles with smaller mole,

first- 8.6÷2.87 = 2.99 ~ 3

second 2.87÷2.87 = 1

Ratio of Li to N is 3:1

The compound is Li3N.