G- Empirical formula

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These are like normal molecular formula but are the simplest whole number ratio of the
elements. Ethene is C2H4 and propene is C3H6 but the empirical formula for both of them is
CH2 Working out empirical formula from masses of elements that have reacted together is
simply a case of dividing the masses by the atomic mass of the elements and comparing the
ration of these numbers. This is shown in the worked answers.

Worked answers to questions on self assessment sheet

9(a) Construct a table

Fe Cl
mass 27.9 35.5
atomic mass 55.8 35.5
mass / atomic mass 0.5 1
Simplest whole number ratio 1 2
The simplest whole number ratio was found by multiplying through by 2.

With this ratio, the answer is FeCl2

9(a) This time you haven’t been told the mass of oxygen. You do however know how much
magnesium you had and how much product you had. The difference between the two must be
the mass of oxygen. 80.6 – 48.6 = 32

Mg O
mass 48.6 32
atomic mass 24.3 16
mass / atomic mass 0.5 0.5
Simplest whole number ratio 1 1
The simplest whole number ratio was found by multiplying through by 2.

With this ratio, the answer is MgO

Further questions

1. Work out the empirical (simplest) formula for when the following elements react:
(a) 27.9g of Iron and 53.25g of Chlorine
(b) 32.7 of Zn and 126.9 of iodine
(c) 130.8 of Zn with oxygen to produce 162.8g of zinc oxide
(d) 9g of aluminium with 35.5g of chlorine
(e) 52g of Chromium reacting with oxygen to give 108g of chromium oxide

Answers

1. (a) FeCl3
(b) ZnI2
(c) ZnO
(d) AlCl3
(e) Cr2O7

JHY