Question

1. Analysis of an unknown substance formerly used in rocket fuel reveals a composition of 93.28% nitrogen and 6.72% hydrogen by mass. Further analysis determines the molar mass to be 30.04g/mol. Determine the molecular formula of the unknown.

*please show step by step process!!!*

Answer 1

The formula of the compound is:

N2H2

Step-by-step explanation:

Data obtained from the question:

Nitrogen (N) = 93.28%

Hydrogen (H) = 6.72%

Next, we shall determine the empirical formula for the unknown compound. This is illustrated below:

N = 93.28%

H = 6.72%

Divide by their molar mass

N = 93.28 /14 = 6.663

H = 6.72 /1 = 6.7

Divide by the smallest

N = 6.663 / 6.663 = 1

H = 6.72 /6.663 = 1

Therefore, the empirical formula is NH.

Now, we can obtain the formula of the compound as follow:

The formula of a compound is simply a multiple of the empirical formula.

[NH]n = 30.04

[14 + 1]n = 30.04

15n = 30.04

Divide both side by 15

n = 30.04/15

n = 2

Therefore, the formula of the compound is:

[NH]n => [NH]2 => N2H2