Answer:
The empirical formula of the compound is NO2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The following data were obtained from the question:
Mass of compound = 30.5 g
Mass of nitrogen (N) = 9.29 g
Empirical formula of compound =?
Next, we shall determine the mass of oxygen in the compound. This can be obtained as follow:
Mass of compound = 30.5 g
Mass of nitrogen (N) = 9.29 g
Mass of oxygen (O) =?
Mass of O = mass of compound – mass of N.
Mass of O = 30.5 – 9.29
Mass of O = 21.21 g
Finally, we shall determine the empirical formula of the compound as follow:
Mass of nitrogen (N) = 9.29 g
Mass of oxygen (O) = 21.21 g
Divide by their molar mass.
N = 9.29 / 14 = 0.664
O = 21.21 / 16 = 1.326
Divide by the smallest
N = 0.664/ 0.664 = 1
O = 1.326/ 0.664 = 2
Therefore the empirical formula of the compound is NO2.