Question

A compound X contains 50% sulpher and 50% oxygen by mass. what is the empirical ( simplest) formula of the compound X? Options a) SO b) SO2 c)SO3 d) SO4 please please Explain. :(

Answer 1

`=SO_2`

Explanation:

1. Assuming that the mass of the compound is 100g; therefore, mass of its constituent elements are:
   `S=100gxx50%=50g`
   `O=100gxx50%=50g`
2. Find the relative atomic masses of these elements which are obtainable from the periodic table; i.e.,
   `S=32.07" g/mol"`
   `O=16.00" g/mol"`
3. Now, find the mole value of each element.
   `etaS=(50cancel(g))/((32.07cancel(g))/(mol))=1.5591mol`
   `etaO=(50cancel(g))/((16.00cancel(g))/(mol))=3.1250mol`
4. Then, determine the ratio of moles using the smallest mole value as the denominator.
   `S=1.5591/1.5591=1`
   `O=3.1250/1.5591=2`
5. Therefore, the empirical formula of the compound is `S_1O_2` or simply written as `SO_2`