Multiple Choice
A compound contains 31.2% calcium, 28.6% sulfur, and 40.2% oxygen by mass. What is the empirical formula of this compound?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Empirical Formula
Multiple Choice
What is the empirical formula for a compound with the molecular formula C_6H_{12}Cl_2O_2?
A
C_6H_{12}Cl_2O_2
B
C_3H_6ClO
C
CH_2ClO
D
C_2H_4ClO
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the number of atoms of each element in the molecular formula: C = 6, H = 12, Cl = 2, O = 2.
Determine the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms by dividing each subscript by the greatest common divisor of all subscripts. Here, divide each by 2.
Calculate the ratio: C = 6 ÷ 2 = 3, H = 12 ÷ 2 = 6, Cl = 2 ÷ 2 = 1, O = 2 ÷ 2 = 1.
Write the empirical formula using these simplified ratios: C_3H_6ClO.
Verify that the empirical formula represents the simplest ratio of atoms and is consistent with the molecular formula.
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