Sample Problem 3.4
Determining the Empirical Formula from Masses of Elements
PROBLEM:
PLAN:
SOLUTION:
Elemental analysis of a sample of an ionic compound gave the following results: 2.82 g of Na, 4.35 g of Cl, and 7.83 g of O. What are the empirical formula and name of the compound?
Find the relative number of moles of each element; divide by the lowest mole amount to find the relative mole ratios (empirical formula).
2.82 g Na x
= 0.123 mol Na
4.35 g Cl x
= 0.123 mol Cl
7.83 g O x
= 0.489 mol O
Na1 Cl1 O3.98
NaClO4
NaClO4 is sodium perchlorate.
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