Question

If a compound contain 40% sulphur and 59% oxygen ,find its empirical formula.

Answer 1

SO3

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the photo above

First you convert from percentage to decimal

Divide by the mass number

You divide the two by the smallest figure

Approximate

Write the formula

Answer 2

SO3

Step-by-step explanation:

Data obtained from the question include:

S = 40%

O = 59%

To obtain the empirical formula, do the following:

Divide the above by their molar mass as shown below:

S = 40/32 = 1.25

O = 59/16 = 3.69

Next, divide by the smallest as shown below:

S = 1.25/125 = 1

O = 3.69/1.25 = 3

Therefore, the empirical formula is SO3